Reader_April5_2018

READER

Arts, entertainment, bluster and some news

april 5, 2018

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FREE | vol. 15 issue 14

Sandpoint hires new public works director, Festival announces lineup earlY, election profiles of Ellen Weissman and Bob Vickaryous, SHS acadeca team headed to nationals and more!

HOURS: 3pm to close Mon. through Sat.

LIVE MUSIC

SATURDAY, April 7 @ 8-10pm

Scott Reid

(208) 229-8377 109 Cedar St.

Bluegrass, Folk, Americana

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• Property Tax Reducaon.

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• Access to Healthcare.

• Invesang in Educaaon.

• Mulaple use of Public Lands.

Paid for by Howlett for the House

2 / R / April 5, 2018

Vote November 6, 2018 for Stephen F. Howlee District 1 Seat B ssowleeoridahodistrict1b.com

New York Style Pizza • Wings • Pasta • Sandwiches

(wo)MAN compiled by

Susan Drinkard

on the street

What do you think of this year’s music lineup at the Festival at Sandpoint?

DEAR READERS,

ice Pr uced d Re

“I only recognized one group, and I think you have to be drunk to listen to hard rock, so I’m not going.”

Alirene Mulliner Retiring from Northern Lights Sandpoint

“I like Phillip Phillips and Sublime. The lineup is good, but could be better. They need a better artist for the dance concert.”

Clint Miller 11th home school Sagle

“I am familiar with Phillip Phillips and Amos Lee. I really do enjoy the Festival, and I think the lineup is pretty good this year, but I’m not particularly excited about it.”

Sidney Meshberg 12 years old Northside Elementary Sandpoint “The bluegrass concert might be good, and we will probably go to the symphony.”

John Harbuck Woodworker Colburn-Culver

“There are several that look interesting and several we didn’t know. One nice thing about the Festival is that you run into groups you wouldn’t normally hear about, like Lake St. Dive, who we follow now, as well as Pink Martini.

It’s always interesting.”

Tina and Jay Harvey Sandpoint

Single Family Detached This family style home has plenty of space - a 4 Bedroom 2 Bath with 2 bedrooms up, and 2 down and possibly a 5th bedroom (non-conforming window) downstairs. The home has a large corner lot on a quiet street that is fenced in the back with a dead end alley access - perfect for backyard acce and projects. Many recent updates access including painting the outside and inside common of most rooms, new flooring and more. area

MLS # 20173733 $182,900

Carol D. Curtis (208) 290-5947 www.sandpoint.com ccurtis@sandpoint.com

Welcome to another weekly installment of the Reader! This week’s issue is a bit heftier than normal at 28 pages. Just think, you get four extra pages for no extra charge. Oh wait, that’s right, we’re a free publication, so there’s never any charge. That’s just the way we like it.

If you ever sit down and think about how it’s possible a small group of writers and thinkers could make this newspaper happen week after week, the real people you need to thank are those who advertise with us. We simply could not make this work without them, so do us a favor please – if you value the Reader, give them some of your business.

On that note, I hope you enjoy your weekend!

I’ll be enjoying one of these: -Ben Olson, Publisher

READER 111 Cedar Street, Suite 9 Sandpoint, ID 83864 (208)265-9724

www.sandpointreader.com Publisher: Ben Olson ben@sandpointreader.com Editor: Cameron Rasmusson cameron@sandpointreader.com Zach Hagadone (emeritus) John Reuter (emeritus) Advertising: Jodi Taylor Jodi@sandpointreader.com Contributing Artists: ractapopulous (cover), Ben Olson, Cameron Rasmusson, Brian Baxter, John Harbuck, Susan Drinkard.

Contributing Writers: Cameron Rasmusson, Ben Olson, Lyndsie Kiebert, Brenden Bobby, Matt Nykiel, Scarlette Quille, Nick Gier, Brian Baxter, Mike Wagoner, Jani Gonzalez.

Submit stories to: stories@sandpointreader.com Printed weekly at: Griffin Publishing Spokane, Wash.

Subscription Price: $95 per year Web Content: Keokee The Sandpoint Reader is a weekly publication owned and operated by Ben Olson and Keokee. It is devoted to the arts, entertainment, politics and lifestyle in and around Sandpoint, Idaho.

We hope to provide a quality alternative by offering honest, in-depth reporting that reflects the intelligence and interests of our diverse and growing community.

The Reader is printed on recycled paper using soy-based ink. Leftover copies are collected and recycled weekly, or burned in massive bonfires to appease the gods of journalism.

Free to all, limit two copies per person.

Sandpoint Reader letter policy: The Sandpoint Reader welcomes letters to the editor on all topics.

Requirements: –No more than 400 words –Letters may not contain excessive profanity or libelous material. Please elevate the discussion.

Letters will be edited to comply with the above requirements. Opinions expressed in these pages are those of the writers, not necessarily the publishers.

Email letters to: letters@sandpointreader.com Check us out on the web at: www.sandpointreader.com Like us on Facebook.

About the Cover

This week’s cover illustration came from a free stock drawing site. The artist’s screen name is ractapopulous, and we thought it would honor craft beer in Idaho perfectly.

April 5, 2018 / R / 3

NEWS

Sandpoint hires new public works director

By Cameron Rasmusson Reader Staff

For newly-hired Sandpoint Public Works Director Amanda Wilson, the appeal of working in a small city is all about having a long-term impact.

Having honed her expertise in rural public works projects over her career, Wilson is well aware of the positive influence a single person can have on a small community through public projects. And for her and her husband, Sandpoint is the ideal community to make that mark.

“It really boiled down to me wanting to be a part of something more long term and impact a community in a positive way,” Wilson said.

Wilson’s passion for public works kicked off with an early interest in architecture. After learning more about the field through high school programs, she realized that while architecture wasn’t for her, construction management aligned far closer with her talents and interests. Her first job out of college landed her in Colorado, where she found herself working on a $1.6 billion transportation improvement project.

“The project opened my eyes to all aspects of the construction industry and made

me aware of my love for bridges,” Wilson said.

Jobs like that massive transportation project taught Wilson the fundamentals of working hands on with crews while also interfacing with public officials and attending to administrative responsibilities. She also learned the importance of public works in rural areas, especially as she advanced to jobs in Oregon, British Columbia and Alaska.

Wilson first learned about the open Sandpoint public works director position when looking at the city website on an unrelated matter. After investigating the area with her husband, they were instantly taken with the town’s strong community and culture, as well as the beauty and recreation offered by the mountains and lake.

“I think the people here … are exceptionally welcoming and friendly and kind,” she said. “There’s a unique sense of community here, and it really makes me want to do a good job.”

As she becomes more accustomed to her job, Wilson observed that the department is already serving the community well. However, she said there are always ways to improve the services offered to the community, and she hopes to work with the

Sandpoint City Council and public to identify those areas of improvement. For the time being, however, she is happy to be working in an area that offers so many amenities.

“It’s a bit corny to say, but it kind of was like love at first sight,” she said.

New Sandpoint Public Works Director Amanda Wilson. Photo

by Cameron Rasmusson.

Conservation groups request BOCC supports wilderness intervention in Hecla lawsuit management executive order

By Cameron Rasmusson Reader Staff

Conservation groups are requesting to intervene in a lawsuit filed by Hecla Mining Company against Montana Department of Environmental Quality.

The request for intervention follows Hecla filing a lawsuit against Montana DEQ for hitting the mining company with bad actor violations, which centered on Hecla CEO Phillips S. Baker Jr. Montana DEQ alleges that Baker’s previous involvement with Pegasus Gold, which declared bankruptcy and left Montana with a costly environmental mess to clean up, preclude him from participating in any mining operations in Montana. DEQ officials said Hecla can address the bad actor violations by compensating the state for the cleanup effort, which adds up to tens of millions of dollars.

The conservation groups seeking to intervene in the lawsuit, including Earth

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Justice, Clark Fork Coalition, Montana Conservation Voters, Save Our Cabinets, Montana Environmental Information Center and Earthworks, originally requested that Montana DEQ enforce its bad actor laws against Hecla. The groups have been involved in a lengthy court battle to halt Hecla’s proposed Rock Creek and Montanore mine projects.

While the mines are proposed for Montana, many local conservationists worry toxic runoff from the operations could contaminate North Idaho waterways.

“Allowing a mining company headed by a former top executive of Pegasus Gold to construct two massive mines beneath the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness would be foolhardy and irresponsible,” said Mary Costello, coordinator of Save Our Cabinets, in a press release.

“Clean water, unspoiled public lands, and abundant wildlife are the legacy we want for future generations of Montanans.”

By Lyndsie Kiebert Reader Staff

Bonner County commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday to sign a letter of support for a drafted executive order which would require land management practices in proposed wilderness areas to honor multiple-use tradition.

The Idaho Recreation Council and Idaho State Snowmobile Association drafted the executive order.

“We feel it is important to create management consistency while allowing for ongoing use in proposed wilderness areas in our region,” Commissioner Glen Bailey read from the letter. “These (recommended) wilderness areas — we’ve got three of them here in North Idaho — they are being controlled as wilderness areas to the most maximum extent.”

Samuels resident Dan Rose said he was concerned that the board’s support of the executive order seemed like a land management compromise prior to any-

thing being officially dubbed wilderness.

“I see this as a mediation and potentially a usurpation of the (advisory) vote coming up in May,” he said.

“If you (support) this you’re consenting, or mediating, before the vote even happens ... This is saying you want to have a wilderness, but have it multiple use.”

Bailey told Rose he was “totally misinterpreting” the executive order’s goal.

“The Forest Service has been doing this, and they’ve actually been sued in Central Idaho over this, where they start managing an area as wilderness even though it is not,” Commissioner Dan McDonald said. “So (ISSA) has written this resolution to say, ‘Listen, until Congress says it’s wilderness, you can’t manage it as wilderness.”

NEWS

Festival lineup drops early

NEWS IN BRIEF Senate debate details changed

A candidates’ forum hosted by KYMS 89.9 “The Bridge” Christian Country radio has updated information on an upcoming candidates forum.

Styled as a debate for Idaho State Senate candidates, the forum will now start at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 14 at the Sandpoint VFW Hall, 1325 Pine St. [BO]

ICF grants available for Bonner Co. arts nonprofits

By Lyndsie Kiebert Reader Staff Sunday was Easter, April Fool’s Day and the earliest the Festival at Sandpoint has ever released their summer concert series lineup — so you could say it was an eventful day.

“We wanted to announce early this year due to the fact that there is so much going on in our region, and we understand people need to make plans,” said Festival Director Dyno Wahl.

Wahl announced the lineup via social media on the day notorious for fooling, so the Festival’s Facebook account was quick to squash any suspicions.

“No foolin’!” the account responded to accusations of April Fool’s trickery. “Our fans were asking for an earlier announcement, and we had our ‘acts together’!”

Those acts are as follows: •Big Head Todd and the Monsters (Thursday, Aug. 2) — jam-band rock with blues and funk vibes •Amos Lee (Friday, Aug. 3) — easy-going acoustic folk, popular singles include “Sweet Pea” and “Night Train •ZZ Top (Saturday, Aug. 4) — classic blues-rock, popular the ‘70s and ‘80s but still rocking •Family Concert (Sunday, Aug. 5) — The Festival Community Orchestra and Studio One Dancers perform after an afternoon of activities for the kiddos •Greensky Bluegrass (Thursday, Aug. 9) — bluegrass country-rock, plus BrewFest!

•Sublime w/ Rome (Friday, Aug. 10) — surf-rock with touches of hip hop, funk and so much more. This is a dance show •Phillip Phillips + Gavin DeGraw (Saturday, Aug. 12) — singer-songwriter/pop-rock

•Grand Finale Concert starring the Spokane Symphony Orchestra (Sunday, Aug. 12) — conducted by Gary Sheldon. Before the show: “Taste of the Stars” wine tasting.

After the show: fireworks Supporting acts will be announced at a later date.

Individual tickets are on sale now at www.festivalatsandpoint.com and in person at The Festival at Sandpoint Office (525 Pine Street).

Phone orders may be placed by calling the Festival Office at 208-265-4554. A limited number of 300 Early Entry passes are available to Friday and Saturday night shows. For a $25 donation, season pass holders and individual ticket buyers can upgrade their tickets for 10 minute early entry to the venue. Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover cards, personal checks and cash are accepted.

The Bonner County Fund for Arts Enhancement in the Idaho Community Foundation (ICL) is seeking grant requests for projects that demonstrate how the arts encourage creative and critical thinking, stimulate economic vitality and enhance the quality of life in a community.

Grants up to $10,000 will be considered, although in extreme or emergency circumstances, this limit may be waived by the advisors of the fund. Grant requests will only be considered from Bonner County. For more information, including eligibility and application, go to www.idcomfdn.org. The deadline to apply is April 30. [BO]

ICL requests county support for BNSF Sponsor a downtown flower basket Environmental Impact Statement

By Lyndsie Kiebert Reader Staff Idaho Conservation League Conservation Associate Matt Nykiel requested Bonner County commissioners send a letter to several federal permitting agencies requesting they require BNSF produce an environmental impact statement in regards to the second rail bridge proposed to cross Lake Pend Oreille.

Nykiel spoke Tuesday during the public comment period of the commissioner’s regular Tuesday business meeting.

“The construction alone could impact our county in a lot of ways,” he said, noting an EIS would create a better idea of what those impacts might be.

He offered a couple draft letters based on letters the board has sent in the past regarding similar issues. Some concerns listed in Nykiel’s drafts include safety, tax burden and potential public health impacts. The drafts are addressed to the

U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Federal Railroad Administration and Surface Transportation Board — all agencies involved in permitting the second rail bridge.

It is unclear if or when the commissioners will act on ICL’s request, seeing as discussion and decisions do not take place at the time of public comment. The Reader will continue to follow this story.

The deadline to submit comments on BNSF’s proposal is April 30.

Learn more about the proposal Friday, April 6 at noon at the Beardmore Building in Priest River. The Lakes Commission will be discussing rail safety, emergency response and the proposal as a whole.

There will be two Idaho Department of Lands public hearing sessions regarding the second rail bridge, both on May 23. The first is at 8 a.m. at the Ponderay Events Center, and the second is at 6 p.m. in the Sandpoint Middle School gym.

When Sandpoint’s Business Improvement District dissolved, so did the funding for downtown’s iconic flower baskets.

To keep the bright tradition going, the Sandpoint Shopping District and the city are teaming up to create a sponsorship system.

Anyone in the community can sponsor a flower basket for $75 per basket, and the city will take care of watering. The goal is to have 50 flower baskets up before Lost in the ‘50s. “(The flower baskets) set us apart from other downtowns,” said Sharon’s Hallmark owner Deanna Harris, who approached the city about creating a sponsorship program.

To sponsor a flower basket, write and send checks to the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce. [LK]

April 5, 2018 / R / 5

Mad about Science:

By Brenden Bobby Reader Columnist Pretty random, right? Well, buckle up, because random is what I do best!

So what is calcium carbonate, and why is it interesting?

Calcium carbonate (CaCO3, or calcium, carbon and three oxygen atoms) is a major building block of life on our planet. We use it in all manner of applications, from building structures to pest control to dentistry and a lot more. You’ll most readily recognize it as limestone.

Limestone is cool, because it’s rock made pretty exclusively from the skeletons of prehistoric creatures, pressed down and compacted into a stone substance. It’s literally death rocks, skelestone, doom boulders. That beautiful countertop you prep your food on every morning? It’s a slab of things that were swimming in the ocean hundreds of millions of years ago.

When coral, mollusks and most living creatures need to build something stable to grow on, or to protect themselves from danger, they use calcium, carbon and oxygen which are all readily found in the ocean to create shelter, living rock formations (coral), or microscopic skeletons. While it seems like a bunch of microscopic creatures wouldn’t be able to create enough limestone to, say, create a giant mountain, you have to keep in mind that several billion of these creatures live, die and fall to the ocean floor over the course of several hundreds of millions of years. Imagine

6 / R / April 5, 2018

Brought to you by:

calcium carbonate piling up every human that has ever lived into an area the size of Manhattan. Now apply immense pressure, like the weight of the ocean, on them for a few million years. You’re going to have a GIANT mountain of crushed up bone-rock that future alien species will use to decorate their bathrooms with.

Moving on from that morbid depiction!

Calcium carbonate doesn’t exclusively come from life. It tends to coalesce over time in water naturally as sediment. It’s actually one of the reasons we believe there was, at one time, a sizeable amount of liquid water on Mars.

Until recently, calcium carbonate was the primary ingredient in blackboard chalk. Though in recent years, manufacturers have found it easier to produce blackboard chalk and sidewalk chalk from gypsum, which contains calcium sulphate (CaSO4).

Polyvinyl chloride, better known as PVC (think: plastic sewer pipes) uses calcium carbonate as a filler material, allowing manufacturers to do more with less and improve tensile strength and resistance.

It may surprise you, but antacid products like Tums are primarily calcium carbonate.

That’s right, thank Cambrian-era coral for your ability to scarf down three triple-bacon cheeseburgers with minimal consequence!

It’s also used in most prescription drugs, which gives them their chalky body and texture. Though we use it to feel better, too much of a good thing can be bad for you. An excess of calcium is called hypercal-

caemia, and has nasty side effects like kidney stones, renal failure, excessive vomiting, dehydration and depression.

It’s usually caused by cancer, but poor diet and things like Celiac’s disease can cause it, too. Luckily, it can be cured pretty easily with hydration and increased salt intake (think: saline) to help urinate out the excess calcium in your blood.

Usually, the underlying causes (again, cancer, other bad stuff) are much worse, and alleviating the effects of hypercalcaemia won’t necessarily make you all better.

No wonder all of those zany prescription meds have a side-effect manifesto.

We also use calcium carbonate in our gardens every year, especially around here. In our neck of the woods, we have an immense amount of ponderosa pine trees. They shed their needles daily to form carpets of acidic garden death. This keeps competition from sprouting up to steal their nutrients, but makes our soil too acidic to grow what we’d like. We remedy this by adding lime, which makes the soil more alkaline and a little gentler for our garden plants to grow.

Another use we have for calcium carbonate in the form of diatomaceous earth. Diatomaceous earth is made up of the skeletons of diatoms, microscopic algae that tend to form funky little angular shapes, but just looks like flour to us (because they’re microscopic!)

The diatomaceous earth absorbs water it comes in contact with things, as well as being naturally sharp and pointy. When

insects crawl through it, it pulls the juices right out of them and causes tiny cuts all over their bodies. It’d be kind of like if you were to army crawl through a football field covered in razor wire and syringes.

After sharing that lovely visual, I’d like to also point out that farmers mix diatomaceous earth into all commercial grain to stop pests dead in their tracks. Thanks to calcium carbonate, a miller could turn wheat grains into buns for your triple-bacon cheeseburgers, and

also thanks to calcium carbonate, you could eat those cheeseburgers without having to taste them twice.

Also thanks to calcium carbonate, you can brush your teeth after those burgers, because it’s a major component of the minty goodness that keeps microbes from wrecking our teeth.

Who’da thunk three little elements could be used for so many things?

Random Corner lieve it?

Unbelievable facts: do you be

Look it up if you aren’t convinced

• The Pentagon has an actual plan for combating a zombie apocalypse.

• Jehovah’s Witnesses don’t celebrate birthdays because the only two accounts of birthday parties in the Bible ended in murder.

• In 2006, a woman farted on a plane and tried to cover up the smell by lighting matches, causing an emergency landing.

• Iran arrested 14 squirrels for spying in 2007.

• Also in Iran, a law from 2013 allows men to marry their 13-year-old adopted daughters.

• There’s a toilet-themed restaurant in Taiwan, where food is served on miniature toilets.

• In 2013, a man bought a house next to his ex-wife just to install a giant middle finger statue for her to see every day.

• In 2011, a woman bought a “non-visible” piece of art for $10,000.

• In Jamaica, sex between men is punishable with up to 10 years’ imprisonment. But lesbian intercourse is allowed.

• Charles Darwin ate every animal he discovered.

• In Texas, it is legal to kill BigFoot if you ever find it. Of course.

• Nelson Mandela was not removed from the U.S. terror watchlist until 2008.

• A man was jailed and fined $1,500 in Oregon for collecting rainwater because it is considered “property of the state.”

• Cotton candy was invented by a dentist.

OPINION

BNSF bridge proposal warrants close scrutiny

By Matt Nykiel Reader Contributor “Look before you leap,” is good advice for anyone jumping into a cold lake or a big project. Likewise, the community of Sandpoint should examine options carefully as Burlington Northern-Santa Fe proposes a new bridge over our prized Lake Pend Oreille.

Folks in Sandpoint and Bonner County do not want to blunder ahead blindfolded. We want a fair and full assessment of what BNSF’s project means for us.

BNSF wants to build another bridge over Lake Pend Oreille.

But it’s unclear whether the benefits of adding a new bridge are worth the potential impacts of transporting hazardous substances through our towns and across lakes and rivers.

We are fortunate to live near one of the most beautiful and iconographic lakes in the world. For me, I think about dipping my feet in the cool water on a hot summer day and watching my dog plunge into the lake and paddle away. But the clean, cold waters of Lake Pend Oreille are also critical to our economy and way of life.

One train derailment, like the one in Cocolalla last year, could jeopardize all that. It’s far better to keep our water clean than to clean it up after it’s polluted.

It is only reasonable that our community demand a thorough and unbiased analysis of all the potential impacts building more rail infrastructure could have on public safety and the environmental quality of Lake Pend Oreille.

Here’s the bad news: Not one of the federal permitting agencies has committed to requiring BNSF complete an environmental impact statement, the gold-standard for environmental review. And,

Matt Nykiel.

BNSF has yet to provide any independent studies or reports proving exactly how adding another bridge across Lake Pend Oreille will benefit our community.

For years, our community has put up with the risk of transporting crude oil and other dangerous substances near homes, businesses and over critical water resources. The public never had an opportunity to weigh this risk because when the early rail line was first installed trains typically hauled people or inert goods like grain, not thousands of gallons of volatile or toxic substances.

Given the realities of today’s train traffic, it is only reasonable that our community is demanding the highest level of scrutiny to decide whether adding more rail infrastructure is safe and whether it’s in our communities’ best interests.

Scrutiny is no doubt warranted given the scope of BNSF’s proposal, which is anticipated to cost well over $100 million and require at least three years of construction, according to BNSF’s project application.

In addition to a new bridge over Lake Pend Oreille, new bridges are proposed to cross Sand Creek and Bridge Street.

How will this construction impact recreational or emergency access to Lake Pend Oreille, or traffic through town? How might construction noise affect nearby businesses that rely on

tourists interested in our serene lake town?

BNSF has yet to release any study or plans. In fact, BNSF is advocating to expedite the permitting process, rather than complete an environmental impact statement.

Worst of all is the fact that Idaho stands to benefit the least from adding a second bridge.

Idaho sees very little of the tax revenue and job growth created by railroads in comparison to the states shipping and receiving the majority of goods traveling through north Idaho. Because of interstate commerce rules, Idaho doesn’t receive any state taxes from BNSF trains traveling through the state, which could be put toward supporting Idaho state track inspectors or our local emergency response.

I encourage BNSF to be a good corporate neighbor and commit to completing a

thorough environmental impact statement that will independently analyze and evaluate what Idaho communities stand to gain and lose with a second rail bridge across Lake Pend Oreille. Our elected officials should demand no less.

If you have concerns about BNSF’s proposal, your state officials need to hear them. The first opportunity to voice your concerns is this Friday, April 6. Starting at 12 p.m. at the Beardmore Building in Priest River, the Lakes Commission will be discussing rail safety, emergency response, and BNSF’s second rail bridge over Lake Pend Oreille.

Matt Nykiel is a Conservation Associate with the Idaho Conservation League. His work includes protecting North Idaho’s clean air and clean water.

Free boating courses offered

A Bonner County Sheriff’s Marine Division deputy checks a boat launching at Sandpoint City Beach Photo by Cameron Rasmusson.

By Lyndsie Kiebert Reader Staff The Bonner County Sheriff’s Office will be conducting Boat Idaho courses on April 14, May 5 and June 9 for the boating public wanting to learn basic boating laws and safety.

Classes begin at 9 a.m. at the Marine Division boat house located at 4001 North Boyer Road in Sandpoint. Classes are expected to

last about six hours. These are free to the public and open to residents of any state.

Each course will teach you about boating safety and requirements, including necessary equipment. Basic boating laws and rules of the road with regard to navigation and boater courtesy will be instructed.

To ask questions or sign up for a course, call 208-263-8417 ext.

3125.

Bouquets: • The other day, I called up a gentleman named Steve who organized the March for Our Rights pro-gun demonstration, which took place last Saturday across the Long Bridge. While I support the Second Amendment and own guns myself, I’ve always been an advocate for common sense gun regulations such as universal background checks (i.e. no sales of firearms without background checks, period), banning any gadget which transforms a semi-automatic weapon into firing fully automatic, and seriously curtailing the ability for people to own military grade assault rifles. What started as a request for clarification turned into a 50-minute civil debate on guns in America. Neither of us got emotional, neither of us retreated into name-calling — we simply expressed our viewpoints and backed them up with data. I learned some things from Steve, and I hope he may have learned some things from me, too. The point is, it’s not impossible to have a civil debate with someone you don’t see eye-toeye with on a particular issue. Try it yourself. Find someone who is often at odds with your views on a particular subject and invite them to discuss the issue in a calm, rational manner. Remember when we used to do this more often? It wasn’t that long ago, and I believe we can get back there again. At any rate, thanks for the constructive debate, Steve.

Barbs • With the warm weather returning, it’s definitely bike season again. Which means it’s time for me to explain the “Idaho Stop” to people. Again.

When a bicyclist approaches a stop sign, if the way is clear, the bicyclist does not have to come to a complete stop at the sign, but can roll through. Yes, this is the law.

When it comes to a red light, a bicyclist must come to a stop, but if the way is clear, the bicyclist has the right to ride through the red light.

If I counted all the middle fingers brandished my way for following these rules, I would have enough fingers to staff a small corporation.

Just remember, on a bike, a stop sign is treated like a yield sign. A red light is treated like a stop sign.

April 5, 2018 / R / 7

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR 2nd Amendment Regulations...

Close the Gap...

Dear Editor, As a Marine vet with multiple carry permits I go everywhere armed.

That said, I would like to see much tougher gun laws. To wit: Universal background checks for every transfer of a weapon from one party to another of any kind anytime that include all local, state and federal agencies going back 15 years.

Mandatory combat arms course under stress for any person applying for a carry permit.

To buy or carry a handgun you must pass a rigorous written exam covering all applicable gun laws, maintenance, operation and possible consequences of displaying and or using the weapon.

A self-funded psychological exam from an approved certified and licensed psychologist or psychiatrist renewed every five years.

To own any weapon, you must carry liability insurance that at a minimum protects innocent bystanders’ property and all expenses from any accidental or unlawful shooting by the owner of the weapon or any other user.

Any person convicted of any violent crime, including any domestic violence, shall be forever considered a prohibited possessor of any weapon including all guns and blades.

All long guns limited to a threeround capacity. No accessories designed to silence any weapon or increase its rate of fire shall be permitted under any circumstances.

Long mandatory sentences for the violation of any gun law.

If these rules and regulations do not dramatically reduce gun violence in the country within two years of implementation, I would favor the repeal of the Second Amendment along with a generous buyback program and a short period of amnesty to surrender all weapons.

I consider my children, their children and your children more important than my guns or your guns.

Here are some pertinent points of logic to consider when thinking about gun law reform. In this country, we have a constitutional right to freedom of movement. More often than not, that movement takes place in a motor vehicle. Because motor vehicles proved deadly when used by impaired or incompetent operators, we came to regard the use of such as a privilege that required proof of competency and the obtainment of insurance to protect the lives and property of others.

Dear Editor, The 2018 Idaho legislative session is about to end, and for the sixth year our legislators have refused to address our mounting health care costs and the health care of Idaho’s most needy citizens, those in the Medicaid gap.

What does this mean to the Idaho citizens and taxpayers? There is a great cost for those who need catastrophic care and who can’t afford to go to the doctor. Preventive care can save lives, and in the long run a healthier population saves not only lives, but is a money-saver for everyone. The ER is the most expensive form of health care, especially for illnesses that could have been treated in their early stages by primary care health providers. Idaho taxpayers and those who DO have insurance are footing 100 percent of the bill for these ER visits through our Catastrophic and Indigent Care funds.

By choosing not to expand Medicaid, Idaho is losing out on over $3.1 BILLION in federal funding over 10 years. Ninety percent of the cost of Medicaid Expansion is covered by federal dollars, and without Medicaid Expansion, our federal tax dollars are going to the states that HAVE expanded Medicaid.

Polls have shown that more than 71 percent of Idaho citizens support Medicaid expansion. Even though our leadership has decided not to address this issue, you can take action.

The Medicaid for Idaho team and hundreds of volunteers have worked all across the state to gather signatures on petitions to place the Medicaid Expansion Initiative on the 2018 ballot so that you can have your voice heard.

If you haven’t signed a petition you can sign one at Family Health Center at 606 N 3rd Ave #101, Women’s Health on Michigan St, Panhandle Glass Art on Pine Street. You can also help in this effort by volunteering at medicaidforidaho.org.

Dan Creamer Sandpoint 8 / R / April 5, 2018

Connie Burkhart Hope

Vote for Kunzeman...

Dear Editor, If you are a registered Republican, or an independent/unaffiliated voter, please vote for Carol Kunzeman for Bonner County Commissioner in the Republican Primary Election May 15.

Kunzeman served as Ponderay’s mayor for eight years and for five years as a member of the council.

During that time, Kunzeman demon-

strated what public service is all about. Kunzeman treats people with respect, including her opponents. She speaks the truth, and takes the time to learn how to best meet the needs of her constituents. We need her kind of leadership now more than ever.

Carol Kunzeman is a hard, honest worker who cares deeply about her community. While she is a compassionate and generous person, she understands that responsible and responsive leadership requires professionalism, transparency and living within a limited budget.

Many important policy decisions that affect our day-to-day lives are made at the county level. Usually the winner of the Republic primary prevails in the general election — so now is the time to make your vote count.

Please request the Republic ballot on May 15 and vote for Carol Kunzeman.

Susan Drumheller Sagle

Vote Them Out...

Dear Editor, High school students leading marches in the streets demanding gun reform have captured our nation’s headlines recently. They remind us that while adults have failed to stop school shootings, perhaps this new generation can — and that the right to live is more important than the right to own a gun.

In the wake of the tragic killing of 17 students and faculty in Parkland, Fla., these young people have re-energized a nationwide discussion about gun control, or lack of it, in the U.S. which has only 4.4 percent of the world’s population, yet accounts for 42 percent of the world’s guns and roughly 31 percent of the world’s mass shootings (this could be construed as an armed militia, but certainly not a “well-regulated” one as the Second Amendment states).

The fervor of these teenagers led demonstrations of nearly half a million in our nation’s capital and thousands in other cities and towns throughout the nation, vowing to transform fear and grief into a “votethem-out” movement and tougher laws against military-style weapons and ammunition. Their demand for action at our local, state and national level movement reminds us of the student protests in the 1960s that helped bring about the end of the Vietnam War. In Sandpoint, some 250- 300 people, led by high school students, turned out at the City Beach for the international March for Our Lives protests while thousands of others

gathered in Spokane, Coeur d’Alene and Boise.

Supporters of the movement believe they have tapped into a current of gun control sentiment that has been building for years and that roughly 90 percent of Americans agree on common sense solutions.

They plan to make gun reform the central issue for young voters — getting them out to vote in the mid-term elections this year. Already, the Parkland students are being credited with inspiring the first significant piece of gun legislation to come out of the Florida legislature in at least 20 years.

In their fight against the gun lobby, which controls so many legislators in our country, the students’ cry of “vote them out” may very well succeed.

Jim Ramsey Sandpoint

County’s ‘Amnesty’ Plan May Cause Unpleasant Surprises...

Dear Editor, Unpleasant surprises may face many Bonner County landowners. The County is considering undermining 27 years of countywide zoning by allowing illegally created parcels created Nov. 18, 2008, to be lawful through “amnesty.”

This waives 27 years of zoning standards, like lot size minimums, and 13 years of subdivision standards, like the need to plat. Your neighborhood may change without notice as you welcome neighbors to lots you thought were too small to develop.

This “amnesty” is unfair to those who followed the rules. For example: A 20-acre parcel zoned Agricultural since 1981 with a 10-acre minimum was split into four five-acre properties, violating the lot size minimum without going through the subdivision process, would now become legal.

Folks that bought into a neighborhood in rural Bonner County thinking they were moving into an agricultural area now find that this isn’t going to be the case because neighboring lots will be smaller.

The code proposal would affect property owners and jurisdictions county-wide. A fire district that has staffed for homes on 10-acre lots could find itself serving many more property owners, with no advance notice. Roads may not be properly sized. Water and sewer districts may be overextended.

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing for this proposal BCRC 12-616 on Thursday, April 5, at

5:30 p.m. at the County Administrative Building, 1500 Highway 2.

Steve Lockwood Sandpoint

McDonald Deserves 2nd Term...

Dear Editor, Rarely does an elected official step into office and keep their campaign promises. Dan McDonald is such an official.

In 2016, Dan ran on efficiency and cost-cutting. And not only has he kept those promises, he’s gone above and beyond.

Unlike his opponent, whose prior stint as Ponderay mayor admittedly increased the size of government, Dan has shrunk its footprint, finding $8.5 million in line-item cuts, as well as reductions in management via attrition, resulting in another $250,000 savings to taxpayers. And, unlike his opponent whose knee-jerk reaction to the proposed smelter is a rush to judgment not rooted in evidence, Dan is awaiting pertinent information before he takes a factbased position either way.

What we don’t need in a commissioner is someone who will grow the size of government at taxpayer expense, or who’ll make crucial decisions impacting the county residents before all facts are available. Unlike his opponent, who admits she must learn onthe-job, McDonald came into office fully prepared, promising good stewardship of our taxpayer monies, while at the same time making decisions that affect us all only after thoughtful consideration of all relevant information. He’s accomplished both, while at the same time proving himself highly accessible to both the citizens and the employees of Bonner County.

For these reasons and more, McDonald deserves a second term as Bonner County Commissioner. Please consider voting for Dan on May 15.

Jodi Giddings Sagle

Got something to say? Write a letter to the editor at letters@ sandpointreader.com.

Under 400 words, and please elevate the discussion. Please no handwritten letters!

HUMOR

Turkeys, spring, lap dances and marriage T

here are a few things that one can count on this time of the year, regardless of the weather. One of them is that various animals will start popping out of their respective winter hidey holes and begin searching for a mate. A clumsy, feverish, horny rage consumes the rational mind, creating awkward situations for everyone involved.

I can always tell when this season arrives – turkeys start appearing in massive flocks, wreaking havoc on my morning commute.

No North Idaho spring is complete without your car careening into a fullblown turkey roadblock. Which as luck would have it, exists on every blind corner on our county roads from March until they finally chill out with the mating thing.

The roadblock looks a lot like an angry dance-off as toms are vying for female attention, their tails fanned out circling their opponents. They will not stop this bizarre dance for cars or anything else. The last turkey on the road is probably considered the winner.

That is why there are no less than 10 dead ones on a mile stretch of Parker Canyon Road. I am guessing females make their choice based on the fighting, car stopping and exotic dance skills of the male suitors, which makes sense

to me as the jiggly blue skin-headed, awkwardly bearded males don’t have a lot to offer in the looks department.

Humans are not immune to this springtime ritual. In fact, the strange mating dance that occurs each spring in our species is quite similar. We start emerging in the increased daylight hours pale-skinned and poorly groomed, looking for human connection. Occasionally a mated pair of humans will emerge ready to announce their bond in the form of an engagement. There is a lot of that going around this spring.

Recently a friend of mine, let’s just call him “Turkey Vulture,” announced his engagement. This was surprising as he has been a bachelor for over 30 years, and seemed to be quite good at it.

However, it is common knowledge that the right little hen can soften the most hardcore bachelor’s heart, and turn him to a world of nesting.

Part of me wants to say that this choice to enter into the world of marriage is crazy, made hastily in the months of arctic despair, but I can’t. I like his little hen, and I’ve witnessed his attempts to woo her firsthand.

The Turkey Vulture started out with the traditional steps of feather fanning and road blocking — in human males this looks more like intense athletic performance in all competitive ventures

Energy Optimization / Footprint Reduction

from beer pong to golf.

Once he had this pretty little hen’s attention, he upped his game by making some improvements to his nest. I witnessed each of these stages in their mating ritual, but I have to state for the record: The night he won her over completely was when he hijacked a Bluetooth speaker, sending an ‘80s hairband stripper ballad blaring into the night sky at the Gorge at George Washington amphitheater. The Turkey Vulture clearly didn’t give a shit about the size of the audience or the knowledge of possible social media exploitation. He had set out to perform the lap dance of a lifetime, fearlessly gyrating as though they were the only two souls in a soldout concert arena.

Looking back on this, it was that very moment it became apparent that the Turkey Vulture intended on being with this little hen for the rest of his life.

After the lap dance the ring was just a formality.

Personal feelings about marriage aside, I am happy for the Turkey Vulture. There is nothing in this life that feels better than seeing the people that you care about blissfully happy. And on this spring day in April, as the snow falls outside, that is enough for me. I’m keeping this one short and sweet, but before I sign off, I’d like to leave all of

you freshly engaged lovebirds with my favorite quote on marriage: “I don’t believe in marriage. I think at worst it’s a hostile political act, a way for small-minded men to keep women in the house and out of the way, wrapped up in the guise of tradition and conservative religious nonsense. At best, it’s a happy delusion — these two people who truly love each other and have no idea how truly miserable they’re about to make each other. But, but, when two people know that, and they decide with eyes wide open to face each other and get married anyway, then I don’t think it’s conservative or delusional. I think it’s radical and courageous and very romantic.”

– Tina Modatti (from the movie “Frida”) Cheers to the Turkey Vulch and his hen!

XOXO SQ

Residential - Commercial - Industrial

Design20FIRST.com

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ELECTION COVERAGE District 1 State Representative, seat A

Profile of Bob Vickaryous

By Ben Olson Reader Staff Editor’s Note: Bob Vickaryous is running as a Democrat in the primary election for State Representatives, Seat A. Sandpoint Reader: Tell me a little about your history in North Idaho.

Bob Vickaryous: I was born in Creston, B.C. My folks were both U.S. citizens, but it was the closest hospital. I had some farming blood in me, and I’m interested in being independent. I have an independent nature. I never really liked having somebody look over my shoulder. I logged for about 30 years, logged and farmed at same time.

SR: What inspired you to run?

BV: There is a need for some pro-liberty minded people in the state legislature. And if I get nomination I’d like to be one of those, to help make decisions on the con-con (constitutional convention). I believe it’s a very, very bad thing to have one at this point in time. If we need to amend the Constitution, we can do it the traditional way it’s been done the past 200 years. We don’t have to open it up to having the whole thing rewritten like happened last time.

Not enough people realize that, and I’d like to be part of that discussion, and do what I can to help derail it.

SR: What specifically about the constitutional convention is it that concerns you? Are you concerned it would be opened up to dramatic change?

BV: Yeah, in fact, that’s what some proponents are promoting and hope

Bob Vickaryous AT A GLANCE AGE: 71 BIRTHPLACE AND RESIDENCE: Born in Creston, B.C., lives 1.5 miles south of Canadian border.

GOVERNMENT SERVICE: Served on school board in 1990s. Six years in U.S. Army (two active, four reserve).

PROFESSION: Small time cattle rancher cow, calf operation.

EDUCATION: Public high school.

FAMILY: Married to spouse since 1993.

FUN FACT: Bob has been interested in politics since 1966. He spent 13 months on the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea when he was stationed there in the Army.

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happens. That’s a reason they want a convention. They want the whole thing scrapped and completely rewritten. If it was completely rewritten by the majority of those involved, it would probably look an awful lot like the constitution of the Soviet Union. People are granted rights, and then the right is negated by the government, which has the ability to regulate the right, which makes it not a right at all. That concerns me. I want to see the country remain free, I don’t want to see a socialist dictatorship.

SR: When you ran in the 2016 primary as a Democrat, it came up often where many said your views were quite conservative. I’m curious why you’re running again as a Democrat as opposed to a Republican or other.

BV: I feel that the identity of Democratic party has been stolen. Traditionally, from the beginning, the Democratic party was very conservative, pro-Constitution, pro-freedom, all the way until about the 1920s and ‘30s when the socialists, who used to have their own candidate running for president every year, decided they could make a lot more progress by simply taking over Democratic party and running their candidates pretending to be Democrats when they were actually socialists.

I think that needs to be reversed, and I’d like to help reverse it.

SR: Let’s talk about your association with the John Birch Society (JBS). Generally, the JBS is known as an anti-communist, limited-government society. Why are you a proponent of this group?

BV: I haven’t been as active in the JBS, especially in Sandpoint, as I’d like to be. You’ve done a little homework, it sounds like. I have been a member since 1972, and I strongly believe in an informed electorate. The only way that we’re ever going to get the country on the right track again is to have an electorate that understands the basic concept of freedom. The Democratic party was founded on those basic principles, same as the JBS. It’s nothing new. I’m not trying to reinvent freedom, we’re just trying to keep it.

SR: If you were to identify three of your main issues, what would those be and why?

BV: The con-con issue is one, we already talked about that. I strongly believe in free enterprise in health care and free enterprise in education.

SR: Define “free enterprise.”

What exactly does that entail for health care and education?

BV: If you had free enterprise in

education, you would have the people making their own decisions regarding those topics. That’s where it needs to be.

When you get the government involved in anything, it denies the people the right to make their own decisions regarding health care and education. I believe that competition always produces excellence, so if you want excellence in health care or education or anything else, you have to let the free market work. You have to let the people decide.

SR: You have been an opponent of public education in the past. At one point in the 1990s, you wrote a letter to the editor that asked, “Do we even need public schools anymore, and if we do, how do we pay for it? I don’t think we need them.” Do you seek to abolish the public education system?

BV: I would rather it abolish itself and let the people get tax credits that want to educate their kids at home or in private schools or wherever. They shouldn’t have to pay for both. That would stimulate the private sector.

People don’t realize how much education is costing them, how much it’s costing them to get misinformation, or disinformation. It’s very costly to have erroneous information. I could talk a while about all of these things. … The problem is, whenever you have government involved in things like education, you come up with indoctrination instead of education. We don’t need indoctrinated Hitler-type youth. We need people who understand the concept of freedom.

SR: So you think the neither the state nor the federal government should be funding education at all?

BV: I don’t think our government should be involved at all. In fact there’s nowhere in the Constitution where it’s allowed for the federal government to be involved.

SR: Don’t you think that might leave some people out in the cold, without access to an education?

BV: No, I don’t think so at all. I’m not a computer nut, but kids are brought up to understand computers and they can find information in a heartbeat while us older folks who haven’t been well-schooled in computers have a disadvantage. The technology is there to get a good education online, and kids know how to use a computer. Schools have neglected teaching the kids to read and write cursive. I just found that out when I hired a young lad to do a website for me. I wrote out everything I wanted on the website, and he was stumped because he couldn’t read cursive. Reading and writing should be taught, as well as

how to type.

SR: I’m curious. You say that a good education is available on the internet, but with a system like the one you’re proposing, who is going to be generating this content on the internet?

BV: I think people really believe in education in Idaho, and it’s not compulsory that they send kids to public schools but people do it because they believe the kids are getting a good education. They’re being fooled.

They believe in education. If they understood what was out there as an alternative there would be more people getting their kids educated at home. The JBS does have an online course called Freedom Project Academy. For anyone who wants a good, solid education, that would be a good place to start. If they don’t like the concept of freedom and want socialism, they could start their own socialistic schools, or just keep sending their kids to public school.

SR: You’ve talked a lot about socialism. Is that a concern of yours? That we are becoming a socialist country?

BV: Yeah, it has been my concern for quite a while. When you look at what Karl Marx wrote, as far as a prerequisite for a socialist, communistic society, one of the things you absolutely have to have is the government controlling the way people think. They do that by controlling education. That’s why he put that in there. A free government education for everybody. He knew what it would do. And also you have to have an income tax to finance all the government programs, you have to have a centralized banking system, inheritance tax. Those are all planks of the communist manifesto, and they’re all in place in America.

SR: You believe we should abolish income tax? How would we replace that? How would we fund things like the military, social programs, roads?

BV: Well, road funding is already in place, it’s called a fuel tax. That’s where the money comes from to build roads. I believe in a user fee tax. I’d really like to see, if there’s not enough road tax to build a bypass in Bonners, I’d like to see a toll bridge put in, or a toll bypass, so that truckers don’t add to traffic congestion. I think people would opt to pay an extra dollar or two to bypass Bonners Ferry just like they bypass Sandpoint.

SR: This is a pretty divisive time in our history. If elected, how will you reach any common ground with your

( No Photograph Submitted ) constituents, or are you catering to one political ideology over another?

BV: Well, if you call being for freedom favoring an ideology, I’d be happy to spend more time getting people to understand the concept of freedom. It doesn’t seem like they do. If people want free goodies all through their life, they’ll end up totally controlled and without freedom. It’s up to the people to make a choice. I don’t think that people fully understand the concept of freedom.

SR: Is there anything we haven’t covered that you’d like to end with?

BV: We didn’t talk about gun-free school zones. I think that we should have a gun in every classroom and a well-qualified teacher to use it if necessary. It’s these gun-free school zones, you may have noticed, where the idiots go to take out their frustration or whatever they’re doing, to shoot innocent people. They don’t go to a police station. If they knew that there was a loaded gun waiting for them in a classroom, they would probably think twice. If we can trust the teachers with the minds they use, we should be able to trust them with the responsibility to protect them with a gun.

SR: I’m curious where the funding would come from to pay for this.

You’ve already called for an end for government funds in education. Who pays for these guns?

BV: If they can’t find enough money in the budget, I’m sure the NRA would probably take up a collection — or the John Birch Society, either one — to make sure there’s enough money to buy a gun. If they can bus kids all over the state for a basketball game, I’m sure they could find enough money to buy a $150 weapon.

ELECTION COVERAGE District 1 State Representative, seat A

Profile of Ellen Weissman

By Cameron Rasmusson Reader Staff

Editor’s Note: Ellen Weissman is running as a Democrat in the primary election for District 1 State Representative, Seat A. Sandpoint Reader: To begin with, can you tell us a little about why you decided to enter this race?

Ellen Weissman: I’ve always been interested in politics. And I thought that at some point I would run for something. When the Florida shooting happened, that pushed me closer. Much closer. ... I’ve several times thought about running for county commissioner, but that position for my district isn’t up this year. Then I found out that the seat (in the Idaho Legislature) currently held by Heather Scott is available, so I decided to put my name in.

SR: What are some of the issues that have driven you to get involved in politics?

EW: I’m concerned about the Rock Creek Mine and think it shouldn’t go through. It’s the same with the smelter issue.

You have threats from both the east and the west. And there are plenty of other issues that affect the quality of the environment and the life that we have here, which is why we chose to move here: to have clean air, clean water.

I’m also concerned about education dollars. Idaho is at the bottom of the list for quality of education and teacher pay.

We need to improve that. Then there’s the need to have a voice for North Idaho, because I think there are a lot of decisions being made without North Idaho being considered.

SR: What personal qualities to you bring that you think would make you an effective representative?

EW: I was raised right outside Washington, D.C., so I didn’t get local news — I got D.C. news. Dinner table subjects were … about what’s going on in our nation and world. I sat in the chambers of Congress and was influenced by seeing government in action.

They were all white men at the time … and we were memorizing the presidents, so I asked my teacher why there were no women presidents. So I think that’s when my (political) beginnings happened.

Ever since then, I’ve been in arenas that involved public relations. I was a teacher and developed listening skills. I’ve worked with people of all ages, from infants to elders now. And I think I can represent people’s viewpoints … and adequately reflect the full spectrum of opinions. We have a diverse place—perhaps not racially, but a diverse collection of viewpoints. I think I can listen well and then take those opinions down to Boise.

SR: Tell us a little about your work as director of Sandpoint Area Seniors, Inc., and how that might influence your work in Boise if elected.

EW: Being a senior is not something people think about until it’s smack dab in their face.

When thinking about what’s good for seniors, it’s often something that’s good for everyone, like wheelchair access. Awareness on those kind of things has grown, but there’s always more to do. Also, as director of the senior center, I’m in kind of a neutral position politically. I’m advocating for everyone, and there are no divisions between

Democrats and Republicans. It’s about getting adequate care for someone who is dealing with Alzheimer’s. It’s about helping someone who is a veteran get services they need. So we’re an information and referral hub, and we are constantly letting people know what activities and services are around town.

Elders have taught me a lot.

Some are in their 90s and still active, so I want to go to Boise and say, “Look, people are living longer.” Ten thousand people a day are turning 65 in our country for the next 19 years.

We have to think about how to take care of our elders.

SR: You mentioned the Florida shooting as another motivating issue. What should the state being looking at when it comes to gun violence?

EW: I understand people who want to have guns for hunting or for protection, and I can accept that. But I cannot accept someone who could have gotten treatment for mental health issues and didn’t getting a hold of machine guns and killing kids.

Or killing people at a movie theater or grocery store or shooting Gabby Giffords while she’s doing public speaking. These things that are occurring in our country are absurd and crazy.

And I think we have to realize that enough is enough. We have to have sensible legislation. I don’t think it’s a question of taking away the Second Amendment. … But there needs to be better regulation over selling and tracking and using weapons.

SR: Your opponent in the primary certainly doesn’t have viewpoints one would expect of a Democratic candidate.

Do you have any thoughts on that?

EW: I have not yet met

Mr. Vickaryous. I am told that he is very arch-conservative and has jumped over from the Republican side to running on the Democratic ticket. I think that as much as I don’t like the two-party system, it’s in place so people who align themselves on one side or the other will stay on that side. So I’m curious to meet him and find out more about his viewpoints. We have a variety of Republican politicians like Shaun Keough who have done an awesome job, so I’m not crazy about the D or the R at the end of people’s names. But … if you’re way over on the other side, why are you running as a Democrat?

SR: Thanks for talking with us, Ellen. In closing, is there any issue you want to comment on or message you want to get out to voters that we might not have covered?

EW: I’m concerned about Scotchman Peaks as well. I really hope that can be deemed a wilderness area. We are losing public lands right and left in our country. And as a former teach-

er, I really care about kids. It’s not just wanting them to be safe either, but all people. We need to be concerned about domestic violence. I want people to learn parenting skills and communication skills.

Ellen Weissman AT A GLANCE AGE: 64 (My 65th birthday is the day of the primary!)

BIRTHPLACE AND RESIDENCE: Washington, D.C. GOVERNMENT SERVICE: None PROFESSION: Teaching in the past.

I’ve been the Executive Director of Sandpoint Area Seniors, Inc. (“SASi”) aka the Senior and DayBreak Centers the last 3 1⁄2 years.

EDUCATION: B.S. in Elementary and Special Education; M.Ed in Educational Administration and Community Education; M.Ed in Arts Integration in Education and Curriculum Development.

FAMILY: Divorced with two grown daughters.

FUN FACT: I love to juggle and I have jumped in the Polar Bear Plunge 14 times in the last 20 years!

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OPINION

Christianity without Crucifixion in the Early Church

By Nick Gier Reader Columnist In July 2002, Rita Brock, a Disciples of Christ minister, and Rebecca Ann Parker, former president of Starr King Theological School, set out on a Mediterranean journey to confirm a claim that had been made for many years: Christian art did not show a crucified Christ until the 10th century.

Brock and Parker confessed: “Initially we didn’t believe it could be true. Surely the art historians were wrong.”

They found Christ as a victorious king and as a good shepherd with a live lamb on his shoulders, but they did not find any images of Jesus dying on a cross. When Jesus is shown on the cross in these early centuries, he is very much alive and looking straight out into the world.

In the 6th century St. Apollinare Nouvo Church, there are 26 panels depicting the life of Christ. The tenth panel is Simon of Cyrene carrying a cross, and the next and final panel shows the angel and the two women at the tomb. Curiously but significantly, Christ crucified is not represented.

Cyril of Jerusalem preached that the Eucharist represented a “spiritual sacrifice of a bloodless offering.” At the moment that the bread and wine were consecrated the Holy Spirit descended to earth and reopened the gates of a New Eden and a new humanity was restored by Christ.

In some early churches, those being baptized were stripped naked so that they were like Adam and Eve in the Garden. As Cyril of Jerusalem states: “You are in the image of the first man, Adam, who in the Garden was likewise naked and did not blush.”

Many early churches were decorated in ways that made them an earthly paradise. St. Ambrose, the Italian bishop who baptized St. Augustine in AD 387, believed that Paradise was not only present in churches but also in the souls of all believers at baptism.

Before the 10th century the sacramental bread and wine represented a heavenly transfer of Christ’s glorified body and blood, but after that orthodoxy required that one believe that it was the crucified body and blood. It is clear, however, that Jesus declared that the wine and bread were his blood and body before he was executed.

The first known crucifix was made by a Saxon artist who carved a lifesize dead Jesus from oak. Called the Gero Crucifix it was produced in AD 965-70 and is now displayed in the cathedral in Cologne, Germany.

The ancient Saxons worshiped

trees, and they were converted by Charlemagne’s troops at the point of the sword. As Parker and Brock state: “The cross — once a sign of life — became for them a sign of terror.

Pressed by violence into Christian obedience, the Saxons produced art that bore the marks of their baptism in blood.”

In a supreme and terrible irony, the humiliated Saxons identified with the crucified Jesus, and they saw their own wounds — physically and spiritually — in his tortured figure.

Church authorities imprisoned and tortured Saxon theologians, who continued to believe the Eucharist contained the heavenly Christ rather than the new view that was the judging crucified Christ.

Brock and Parker draw political conclusions from the replacement of Churches of Paradise with Churches of Crucifixion: “Charlamagne fused church and state in new ways, altered the long-standing Christian prohibition against the shedding of human blood, and made Christianity a colonizing tool. He aligned the cross with military victory and laid the axe to the root of sacred trees.”

Over the next hundred years, pogroms against Jews increased dramatically. Significantly, the few Christian leaders who did focus on the crucifixion, such as Melito of Sardis, were also those who called the Jews “Christ killers.” As Brock and Parker state: “Melito’s sermons show how easily a focus on the death of Jesus spilled over into the vilification of Jews.”

Under the banner of a huge red cross the Crusades sent huge military expeditions against infidels in Asia, killing many innocents on the way.

In the centuries to come it would be witches and heretics who would die, and Christian violence continued in the great European empires of the 15-19th centuries.

In 1455 Pope Nicholas V exhorted Catholic rulers to conquer, even those “in the remotest parts unknown to us,” all who were enemies of Christ.

The Pope gave them permission “to invade, search out, capture, vanquish, and subdue all Saracens (Muslims) and pagans,” take their possessions, and “reduce their persons to perpetual slavery.”

The title of Brock and Parker’s book sums up their thesis: Saving Paradise: How Christianity Traded Love of this World for Crucifixion and Empire.

Nick Gier taught religion and philosophy at the University of Idaho for 31 years.

READER

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event •TRANSPORTATION: Secure funding to improve safety and efficiency of our roads, bridges and airports.

•EDUCATION: Adequately fund education and integrate vocational education to meet work force needs.

•JOBS: Retain and expand our current resource jobs and promote jobs in emerging industries.

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stituents and address the “things that matter” to them.

s a t u r d a y

www.MikeBoeckForIdaho.com

s u n d a y

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•NATURAL RESOURCES: Expand the multiple use of our forests and protect our precious waters.

•CONSTITUENT SERVICE: Listen to con-

m o n d a y t u e s d a y

w e d n e s d a y t h u r s d a y

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Pints Up and Beer Release Party @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall April is Idaho Craft Beer Month with Idaho Brewers United. Buy any regular priced pint, and get a pint glass as part of Idaho’s Pints Up Day! Plus at 5:30 p.m., MickDuff’s is tapping a special Pro-Am brewed India Black Lager from their First Avenue Pilot Brewery

Big Something in Concert (April 8pm @ The Hive If you missed Big Something last y here’s another chance to catch of the hottest bands on the Jam B scene. Tickets $15/advance, $18 at door. www.livefromthehive.com

Live Music w/ Mike and Shanna Thomps Live Music w/ Bright Moments Jazz 5-7pm @ Idaho Pour Authority 6-8pm @ Cedar St. Bistro Wine Bar A great acoustic duo Live Music w/ Devon Wade Live Music w/ Tom Catmull 6:30-9:30pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall 5-8pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery Celebrate First Fridays with country artist American roots-driven sound Devon Wade. Food by Edelwagen Food Truck Live Music at the Farmhouse Live Music w/ Casey Ryan 6-8pm @ Farmhouse Kitchen (Ponderay) 9pm @ 219 Lounge Indie singer-songwriter out of the PNW who Big Something in Concert (April 5-6) was top 200 contestant on NBC’s The Voice 8pm @ The Hive

Live Music w/ Oak St. Connection Live Stand Up Comedy 6-8pm @ Cedar St. Bistro Wine Bar 8pm @ 219 Lounge Eclectic mix of lounge, jazz, folk, contemporary Be part of a Guinness World Record attempt as the 219 hosts the kick-off show for Live Music w/ Dodgy Mountain Men Morgan Preston, James Heneghen and Jus6:30-9:30pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall A home-brewed Montana stompgrass band that tin Hayes as they embark on an insane misgoes down smooth but packs a bite. Food by sion to perform a comedy show in each of the 50 states in 50 days or less. 21+ $10/$12 Edelwagen Food Truck. Free!

Lou Domanski 27th Annual Chess Festival Live Music w/ Justin Lantrip 9am @ Sandpoint Community Hall 5:30-7:30pm @ Idaho Pour Authority join fellow chess enthusiasts for this one-day chess A Sandpoint singer/songwriter in honor of its founder and longtime coordinator L 263-3613 for more information.

Sandpoint Chess Club 9am @ Evans Brothers Coffee Meets every Sunday at 9am Monday Night Blues Jam w/ Truck Mills 7:30pm @ Eichardt’s Pub

Sandpoint Photo Club • 1pm @ Hotel Ruby, Ponder The theme for this meeting is “Deserted Buildings and The SPC meets the first Sunday of the month, excludin Parkinson’s Support Group 2pm @ BGH Health Services Building Suite 101 Call (208) 265-3325 for more information

Life 2pm An h

Bonner County Farm Bureau Forum 5:30-9pm @ Clark Fork Senior Center A candidates’ forum hosted by the Farm Bureau. Bring written questions.

County candidates will be from 6-7:30 p.m., state candidates 7:30-9 p.m.

Live Music w/ Scott Taylor Wind Down Wednesday 5-8pm @ SKåL Taproom 5-8pm @ 219 Lounge With live music by blues man Truck Enjoy some great tunes. SKåL also offers smoked Mills. Relax together with friends salmon small plates and Kale salad with smoked and colleagues at the end of the day salmon as well as Pack River Store burrittos and pizza

Trivia Night Night-Out Karaoke 7-9pm @ MickDuff’s 9pm @ 219 Lounge Join DJ Pat for a night Grab a seat early, they of singing, or just come go fast! Test your useless knowledge! to drink and listen

Better Breathers Club Meeting Open Mic with Kevin Dorin Dollar Beers!

6-9pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hal 8pm @ Eichardt’s Pub 1pm @ BGH classroom Good until the keg’s dry Topics include, “Navigating In- All levels of performers we surance and Community Resourc- come. Come to participate, es”, and “The Effects of Second just to listen. Food by Edelwag Hand Smoke.” (208) 265-1045 Food Truck. Free!

ful

April 5 - 12, 2018

A weekly entertainment guide to keep you on your toes. To list your event free, please send an email to calendar@sandpointreader.com.

Reader recommended

rt (April 5-6) Bro Dads Stand-Up Comedy 7:30pm @ Panida Little Theater hing last year, Harry J. Riley and Phil Kopczynski o catch one Bro Dads - return to the Panida Little he Jam Band Theater for a hilarious night of standce, $18 at the up comedy. Rated PG-13. Tickets $12 ve.com at door or available on Panida.org

Adult Grief Support Group 6pm @ BGH classroom Are you experiencing grief due to a loss of a loved one?

Call Lissa at (208) 265-1185 for more information.

Dollar Beers!

8pm @ Eichardt’s Pub

Thompson Firkin Friday 5pm @ Laughing Dog Brewery The first Friday of every month our brewers come up with a new unique brew. They are on hand to talk about the beer and pints are only $3! (208) 263-9222 for more info Lakes Commission Spring Meeting 9am @ Beardmore Building (Priest River) nderay) Agenda includes the Priest Lake Thorofare, proposed Silica l 5-6) Smelter, and a discussion with regard to rail safety and local emergency response, are included on the agenda

National Beer Day Head to one of our many watering holes in North Record at- Idaho and celebrate National Beer Day! f show for Schpring Finale n and Jus- @ Schweitzer Mountain Resort nsane mis- Celebrate the end of a glorious ski season at Schweitzer in each of with a ton of fun events, including Ponderay Rotary + $10/$12 Duck Derby, a kids’ scavenger hunt, the return of the stival Big Lebrewski, a pond skimming contest and more!

Tommy Ahlquist Meet and Greet 12-1pm @ Ponderay Events Center Meet Republican gubernatorial candidate Tommy Ahlquist. Lunch provided. Please RSVP at (208) 920-2204 Friday Pint Night at the Niner Starts at 4pm @ 219 Lounge Buy a pint, keep the glass!

Yoga on Tap 11am @ Laughing Dog Brewery One hour class that ends with the group having a beer. $12 includes your first beer

“Journey of Light” Bel Canto Opera 7pm @ Panida Theater This opera experience embarks on a journey to find the illuminous light. This is a collaborative performance with the Pend Oreille Chorale under the direction of day chess tournament, named Live Music w/ Far Out West Mark and Caren Reiner, featuring dancer dinator Lou Domanski. (208) 8-11pm @ 219 Lounge Portland-based quartet with Autumn Whitley and cellist Sam Minker. folk-inspired lyrics, jazz and rock $15/adults, $10/youth 18 and under, by, Ponderay influences and awesome covers dings and Empty Lots.”

After “Sunday Solution” at the Winery h, excluding holidays.

12-7pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery

1

Lifetree Cafe 2pm @ Jalepeño’s Mexican Restaurant An hour of conversation and stories. This week’s topic: Illegal Immigration

Forum Center by the estions. m 6-7:30 m.

April 13-14

CCL Sandpoint’s Spring Social Shrek the MusiChildbirth Education Classes 6pm @ 876 Shingle Mill Rd. cal @ SHS A spring social for Citizen’s Cli- 6pm @ BGH - Health Serv Bldg #101 mate Lobby. RSVP Amy Phil- Call (208) 265-7484 for more info April 14 lips: aphils@gmail.com / (510) A Novel Night 918-1897 Gala @ Columbia Washington Elementary PTA Fundraiser 5-8pm @ Idaho Pour Authority Bank Building smoked Enjoy live music by Marty and Doug, plus there will be raffle prizes, smoked auction items, and complimentary appetizers. Free!

April 18 nd pizza The Conversation Native Plants by Derek Five Minutes of 6-8pm @ Ivano’s Ristorante in Dorin Antonelli and Kevin Lyons Fam e “Wrap Up” Beer Hall 6-8pm @ Ponderay Events Center Carol Deaner, POAC president, presenting new opportu(la st night) @ rmers wel- Using native plants in your landnities available for local artists.

Cafe Bodega rticipate, or scape and native edibles with a FREE and open to the public.

Edelwagen historical perspective

April 5, 2018 / R / 15

OPEN 11:30 am

GAME ROOM UPSTAIRS

COMMUNITY

Winter birding is a blast

By Brian Baxter Reader Contributor

The Psounbality with Per FRESH FOOD LIVE MUSIC THE BEST NW BREWS

212 Cedar Street Downtown Sandpoint

208.263.4005 A SandPint Tradition Since 1994

The Friends of Scotchman Peaks Winter Birding Day began with a blast of winter weather. March 24 started out with about four inches of snow and some gusty winds.

After all, the class is entitled winter birding.

Just as we cannot order the birds, we cannot order up the weather either.

A few folks were shy to drive in the ministorm. Another couple were unfortunately perplexed by a very common phenomenon that effects us Montana-Idaho border-living folks: time zones. PST, in Idaho, is one hour earlier than MST, across the border in Montana. It’s a pain in the butt at times. So, our group ended up smaller than anticipated, but we do our best under the circumstances.

Dressed in wool and polar fleece, with warm caps and gloves, the hardy birders jumped out of the 4WD vehicles and slipped along a small bay overlooking the Clark Fork River in Montana. We glassed and spotted a myriad of ducks that included buffleheads, common and barrow’s goldeneyes, redheaded ducks, hooded mergansers, mallards and American widgeon. Nice weather for ducks!

A sharp-eyed gentleman caught something out of the corner of his eye crossing the road and shouted, “What the hell is

that?” A beautiful pine marten loped across the access road, flashing its deep brown toned back and tail before quickly disappearing into the timber.

We studied the tracks as a raven chortled overhead Dave K. scopes for and a robin flew into the winter birds. Photo by brush nearby.

Brian Baxter.

And then it happened.

The sudden event occurred so fast it seemed an apparition. Seemingly out of nowhere, a great blue herons, belted kingfishers and an slate gray-backed bird of prey of medium American dipper. size rocketed through the sky above us, While hiking the mud bars adjacent to shaving the now large snowflakes with its large cottonwoods, we spied the tracks of pointed wing tips. It was tricky getting the raccoon, beaver, heron and Canadian geese. binoculars on this bird, never mind a camera. In the quiet of afternoon upon arrival at our It would vanish, then zoom overhead showthird site, the sun shined warmly as we took in ing the whitish underparts, fine barring and red tail hawks, numerous woodpeckers and a an occasional glimpse of a dark banded tail. beautiful flock of about 40 trumpeter swans.

This dark-helmeted jet fighter like pilot tilted Come join us for spring birding outings. wings and performed attack stoops in pursuit We never know what we might find! The mode before it quietly disappeared. The next one will be April 21 at North Idaho birders smiles were broad as we realized we College in Sandpoint. To register: www. had just seen a peregrine falcon. workforcetraining.nic.edu or call (208) We wandered next along the Clark Fork 769-3333. There will also be a class April delta in Idaho, where birds have no inkling 28 in Libby, Mont., and again May 19 in of time zones. In the more open water and Sandpoint. All spring classes sponsored by inlets, we spotted ring neck ducks, common Friends of Scotchman Peaks. Email annie@ mergansers and bald eagles. In slower water scotchmanpeaks.org or call (208) 265-4236 along cottonwood stringers we identified to register.

HIGH ALTITUDE DOWN TIME First Fridays w/

DEVON WADE 6:30-9:30pm

Food by Edelwagen Food Truck

DODGY MOUNTAIN MEN

6:30-9:30pm

Food by Edelwagen Food Truck

A group from Friends of Scotchman Peaks, plus a couple others, had a truly glorious summiting of Star Peak last Saturday.

Some even brought the Reader! There was sun, no wind and snow ghosts aplenty.

Photo by John Harbuck.

16 / R / April 5, 2018

BY THE NUMBERS

By Ben Olson Reader Staff

36 How many years, including 2018, the Festival at Sandpoint has been in operation.

11

Supporting the arts in Sandpoint for 30 years

sales...................................

...................................

Thursday Ladies Night $1.00 off all drinks

The number of states that have outlawed gay conversion therapy, which attempts to change a minor’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Washington Governor Jay Inslee signed a new measure banning the controversial therapy just last week.

15 In weeks, the time limit on abortions in Mississippi under a new bill the governor has claimed to endorse. Once signed, it will be the strictest abortion ban in the nation.

Unique selection of Excellent Wines Local Beers On Tap

Yummy Tapas Menu

Mark Perigen Product Specialist

Heidi Haas Product Specialist

Wine $ Cheese Sampling Wine & cheese sampling Saturdays 12-3p.m. p.m.

Saturdays 12-3 Open 5 p.m. - Closing Thurs. - Sat.

9 In billions of dollars, how much import taxes the conservative Tax Foundation estimates states could pay this year because of President Trump’s tariffs on aluminum and steel. Florida, Ohio, Texas and Utah would pay the bulk.

Jennifer Krueger Product Specialist

Garrett Kulczyk Product Specialist

service..................................

.................................

7 The number of states that had their websites or voter registration systems compromised by Russia during the 2016 election, according to three senior intelligence officials, who also claimed the states were never informed. The states were Alaska, Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, Texas and Wisconsin.

200 The number of local television networks owned by the conservative Sinclair Broadcast Group that were forced to read a script blasting the media for reporting fake news.

Critics argued that Sinclair was forcing their reporters to read talking points that echo President Trump’s ongoing attacks on the media. One station in Wisconsin chose not to read the prepared script.

Scott Lies Service Advisor

John Roche Service Advisor

WWW.TSCHEVY.COM

LOCAL: 208.263.2138 TOLL FREE: 800.866.2138 476751 Highway 95, Ponderay April 5, 2018 / R / 17

COMMUNITY

Museum readies new exhibit

By Ben Olson Reader Staff

A year ago, the Bonner County History Museum unveiled one of its most inventive exhibits yet, “Once Upon a Time... in Bonner County.” The exhibit dramatically displayed objects that have a unique past and untold stories in Bonner County, re-imagining them into popular fairy tales.

“Once Upon a Time” will remain open during regular museum hours until the Museum’s Free First Saturday on April 7. This will be the last chance to check out the exhibit before the museum closes from April 8-26 to install their newest exhibit, “Wunderkammer.”

Meaning “curiosity” in German, “Wunderkammer” arose in mid-16th century

Europe as repositories for all manner of wondrous and exotic objects. This exhibit will present a contemporary interpretation of the traditional cabinet of curiosities, bringing together objects and stories from the museum’s collection, alongside items from a local private collector.

The unveiling of “Wunderkammer” will be Friday, April 27. A member preview will take place between 5-6 p.m., followed by public viewing from 6-8 p.m. Admission will be free, but donations are always welcome.

The Bonner County History Museum is open Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Admission is free every first Saturday of the month from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Admission: $4/adults, $3/seniors, $1/6-18 years, and free for members and kids under six.

Introduction to the CNC router

By Reader Staff Join instructors at MakerPoint Studios for an introduction to the CNC router.

Participants will be taught the basics of the VCarve Pro software, as well as the different settings available on the CNC machine and a few woodworking basics tossed in.

All participants will design and take home their own six-pack tote made on the CNC. One day monthly sessions are offered November through April 2018 at MakerPoint Studio (C106-14 1424 N. Boyer Ave.) on Wednesdays from 6-9 p.m. Space is lim-

ited to six people. Register for the upcoming April 18 class no later than April 15.

The fee is $71, with a $2 discount for participants residing inside Sandpoint city limits. Class fee includes plywood materials for the tote. This class is available for ages 16 to adult.

For all P&R activities: View monthly registration details and pre-register online at www.sandpointidaho.gov/parksrecreation or visit it us at Sandpoint Parks and Recreation, 1123 Lake St. in Sandpoint or call (208) 263-3613.

Walking fundraiser to benefit homeless

By Ben Olson Reader Staff Want to make a healthy lifestyle choice while also benefiting the local homeless population? Bonner Homeless Transitions is hosting “Spring Treats on Your Feet,” a walking fundraiser for the nonprofit organization.

The event happens Saturday, April 7 from 1-4 p.m. Purchase a $20 punch ticket at Super 1 Foods and walk to the following

locations to receive a spring treat: •Super 1 Foods - greens •Fosters Crossing - tulips •Pie Hut - pie •Bizarre Bazaar - daffodils •Evans Bros. - coffee, tea All proceeds will benefit the Bonner Homeless Transitions. This event is sponsored by All Seasons, Safeway, Pie Hut, Evans Brothers, Yokes, Super One Foods, Foster’s Crossing and Bizarre Bazaar.

April is National Poetry Month

By Reader Staff

18 / R / April 5, 2018

April is National Poetry Month, and the Friends of the Library are planning a community outreach to celebrate. One day in April is designated Poem in Your Pocket Day, where cities and communities and individuals nationwide carry a favorite poem in their pocket, purse or wallet to share with friends, co-workers or people they may meet throughout the day.

Mayor Shelby Rongstad will read the proclamation during the April 18 City Council

meeting, officially designating Thursday, April 26, as Poem in Your Pocket Day. Friends of the Library will be out and about in the community with baskets of poems for your enjoyment. Many local businesses have joined the Friends of the Library in celebration of the day and will be handing out poems to customers.

The Friends of the Library invite you to pick a poem and share in the day!

For further information or to volunteer to distribute poems to make someone’s day please call Julie Smith at (208) 263-1501.

COMMUNITY

Origami flower Men’s and Women’s workshop offered softball classes

By Reader Staff

By Reader Staff Learn the fun and inexpensive art of origami – Japanese paper folding. A variety of traditional and contemporary techniques of flower figures will be explored. Bring your own thin, white or colored paper, or wrapping paper pre-cut into four-, six- and eight-inch squares.

Class is Tuesdays, April 17 and 24. Class fee is $20/person ($3 in-city discount). The class will take place at Sandpoint Community Hall from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Online registration at www.sandpointidaho.gov/parksrecreation by April 13 or after deadline at Sandpoint Parks and Rec, 1123 Lake Street. For more information, call (208) 263-3613.

Sandpoint Parks and Recreation is offering a Men’s and Women’s ASA Softball league from May 7 to June 29. The games are scheduled for Mondays and Wednesdays (with possible games on Friday) for men and Tuesdays and Thursdays for women. All games will take place at Traver’s Fields #1 and #2. There will be a minimum of 14 games.

The league has a $300 sponsor fee per team and a player’s fee of $365 per team.

Turn in roster and $20 to reserve your team’s spot by the Monday, April 11, registration deadline.

All fees are due in full and rosters completed and turned in before the mandatory Captain’s Meeting which will take place Thursday, April 18, at the Sandpoint City Hall council chambers at 5:30 p.m.

Happy Hour at Shoga!

Thursday-Sunday 4:30-6pm

$5 Beer & Hand Roll Special!

Featuring Laughing Dog brews!

41 Lakeshore Drive (across the Long Bridge)

208.265.2001 ShogaSushi.com

We have your fluffy kitty spring cleaning covered (208) 265-5700 320 S. Ella Ave. www.IdahoVet.com

call niah for a spa day!

April 5, 2018 / R / 19

EDUCATION

SHS Acadeca team headed to nationals

By Ben Olson Reader Staff

For most high school students, the thought of homework over summer vacation, studying through lunch period and extra curricular study assignments would send them running for the hills.

For the dozen members of Sandpoint High School’s Academic Decathlon Team, known as the Acadeca, it’s just the cost you pay to be the boss.

The SHS team competed against 14 teams comprised of 140 students from around the state at Idaho State University on March 16-17, placing first place in the large school category of the Academic Decathlon State Meet. The win means the SHS team will move onto the U.S. Academic Decathlon National Final in Frico, Texas, on April 19-10, along with Sugar-Salem High School, the first place team in the medium school category.

The SHS team includes captains Sam Jackson and Corinne Capodagli,

20 / R / April 5, 2018

and teammates Emma Reed, Allison Kinard, McLean Weig, Adele Marchiando, Shane Curtis, Liam Loper, Conner Bird, Hyrum Hunsaker and Nate Couch.

At the state meet, the SHS team performed well, placing first in the Super Quiz and bringing home a total of 68 medals, including 32 gold, 20 silver and 16 bronze. Shane Curtis, a junior and second-year decathlete, was awarded the Philip Ourada Memorial Award for Meritorious Achievement in the Speech and Interview events, making it the fourth consecutive year a Sandpoint student has won this award.

“We are one of the powerhouses in the state when it comes to speech and interview,” said SHS teacher and team coach Dana Stockman.

Senior Sam Jackson, a fourth-year decathlete and team co-captain, was also honored for his public speaking skills and was featured in the Speech Showcase at the awards banquet on Saturday.

“Acadeca has taught me how to persevere through, especially when it comes to large amounts of studying,” said Jackson, who plans to attend Boise State Honors College and study computer science upon graduation. “I found the speech and interview portion helped me a lot. I used to have a fear of public speaking, like most teenagers, but because you’re forced to do a speech for a score, it has helped me develop these skills. Even in job interviews, I’m more confident in my abilities.”

The Academic Decathlon competition consists of 10 individual events in arts, literature, music, science, economics, essay, interview, math, social science and speech. Additionally, teams compete in a relay called the Super Quiz, which spans all topics covered in the individual events.

Every year a different theme is chosen. For this year’s meet, students studied Africa. In order to fully master the staggering amount of information they need to know to do well, Stockman said these students spend in inordinate amount of time studying.

“We meet every day throughout the school year,” said Stockman. “The kids get materials when they assign the theme at the end of the school year. We met once a week throughout the summer, read together, went through materi-

al, then we work in our class period, they come in at lunchtime and study.

You know those non-student days when teachers have to work and kids get the day off? They come in those days, also.

Just to study.”

For students who win individual medals, they don’t just get recognition and bragging rights, they also have a shot at scholarship money.

The national team is comprised of co-captains Jackson and Capodagli, as well as teammates Marchiando, Kinard, Curtis, Reed, Hunsaker and Loper. They are busy raising money to pay for their trip to Texas to represent SHS at the national meet. Students anticipate they will need to raise an additional $5,000

The 2018 Acadeca team from SHS (names listed in the article) gathers before the state meet in Pocatello last month. Courtesy photo. to cover their airfare, hotel, ground transportation, meals and incidental expenses. Anyone interested in making a donation may contact Dana Stockman at Sandpoint High School.

“I am so proud of the team,” said Stockman. “They have worked hard all year and are so deserving of the awards that they brought home from Pocatello.

Every member of the team improved their score from the regional meet in January, and every student medaled in at least one event.”

Way to go, students! Go get ‘em in Texas.

Intro to bike maintenance

By Ben Olson Reader Staff Sandpoint Parks and Recreation has teamed up with Sandpoint Sports to bring a class called “Introduction to Bike Maintenance” for ages 16 to adult.

A bicycle is more than just transportation and exercise. It consists of numerous levers, bearings, pivots and parts that require proper care and maintenance.

Without a basic understanding, these parts and how they all work together can be intimidating. This introductory class will teach you how to keep those parts running and operating like they were brand new.

The one-day session will be offered

Tuesday, April 17, and again Thursday, April 19. Classes will take place at Sandpoint Sports (476930 Highway 95 in Ponderay) from 6-8:30 p.m. Class space is limited to eight participants. The fee for the class will be $25 ($2 discount if you live in-city). Pre-register for the course online no later than April 13: www.sandpointidaho.gov/parksrecreation. You can also call (208) 263-3613

ART

‘Whimsical Nudes’ art exhibition to open Friday at Infini Gallery

By Ben Olson Reader Staff

For Sandpoint artist and frequent Reader contributor Jodi Rawson, it’s a nude, nude world.

Rawson will unveil her artwork at Infini Gallery and Art Studio on Friday, April 6 from 5 to 8 p.m. The show, titled “Whimsical Nudes” features a compilation of Rawson’s original artwork, most of which features nudism in some fashion or another.

“It’s my life’s work,” said Rawson.

“If you hated yourself and your body as much as I did, painting really insane nudes is something I can get lost in.”

Rawson, a disabled veteran, claims she’s had trouble holding down solid work over the years, and that painting is just as much self-therapy as it is a form of artistic expression.

“Brain injuries make you a little slower,” she said. “With art, you can go as slow as you want. You can be in any position you want. I can’t sit in one position for a long time, so this is what I do.”

After enrolling in the U.S. Naval Academy, Rawson quickly changed direction and enlisted in the U.S. Army to train as an emergency medical technician.

It was during her time with the Army that

she broke her neck.

“Healing doesn’t happen under a burka,” she said. “It happens with color, light. What it boils down to is, if you hated yourself as much as I hated myself, something has to give. This show is all about reclaiming beauty. Seeing that everybody is beautiful. It’s ridiculous that magazine covers in the grocery store are much more pornographic than a nude woman working in her garden. All that air-brushed fake silicon stuff. Maybe that’s what I’m protesting against: The materialism of the woman’s body.”

Rawson’s pieces, which feature the naked human body, run the gamut from humorous to political to minimalist beauty. Some are self portraits, others famous people such as Barack and Michelle Obama. One, she dubbed “The Tweeter,” features Donald Trump sitting nude on a toilet seat, tweeting. It’s something to behold.

This is Rawson’s first art exhibition in Sandpoint. Her dream is to convince the powers that be to allow her to paint a mural on the back wall of the Panida Theater.

“My idea is to do it architectural, without humans,” she said. “It’s like looking inside the theater. Tromp l’oleil is the style I’m looking for. It’s something I’ve thought about for years, and it finally

came into my mind about what could be my least controversial piece that could shine up that old gem of a theater.”

Check out Rawson’s “Whimsical Nudes” collection at Infini Gallery Friday, April 6 from 5-8 p.m. Most of the works show the human nude body, so viewer discretion is advised.

Jodi Rawson shares a smile while hanging her upcoming show, “Whimsical Nudes” at Infini Gallery and Art Studio.

Photo by Ben Olson.

World record comedy at Idaho’s “Best Small Town Bar” Saturday

By Lyndsie Kiebert Reader Staff How often can you see a world record attempt kicked off in Sandpoint? Not often, but you’ll have your chance Saturday when stand-up comedians Morgan Preston, James Heneghen and Justin Hayes perform at the 219 Lounge.

The trio is hitting the road to perform 50 shows in 50 states in less than 50 days, which would set a Guinness World Record.

Preston has dubbed the attempt “extreme touring” — a “new sport” at which he, Heneghen and Hayes intend to be the “world champs.”

Tickets are $10 in advance. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8.

Follow the tour’s progress on the Facebook page “Biggest Tour Ever EVER.” “That’s right folks, over 75 years of combined comedy experience in one show,” Preston wrote in a recent post previewing upcoming shows. “I don’t think the car will

Morgan Preston.

be able to hold all those egos.”

Now is the perfect time to enjoy an evening of beverages and laughter at the Niner, seeing as the historic watering hole was recently dubbed the “Best Small Town Bar” in Idaho by Thrillest. Check out the whole list at thrillist.com/drink/nation/best-smalltown-bars-in-america.

April 5, 2018 / R / 21

PERSPECTIVES

How to argue (without sounding like an idiot)

By Ben Olson Reader Staff

T

his is the third part of the “How to Argue” series where we take a look at logical fallacies, which are errors in reasoning that undermine the logic of an argument.

Last week we discussed red herring, false dilemma, circular argument and hasty generalization fallacies. Next week, the final article.

Catch up at www.sandpointreader.com

Tu Quoque Fallacy

fallacy: When President Trump’s former campaign chairman Paul Manafort was first indicted for fraud and money laundering, Trump tweeted, “Sorry, but this is years ago, before Paul Manafort was part of the Trump campaign. But why aren’t Crooked Hillary & the Dems the focus?????”

Explanation: When responding to the very alarming news that one of the men who ran his campaign was facing serious fraud charges, Trump attempted to divert the argument by pointing the finger at “Crooked” Hillary and “the Dems.” Instead of saying, “I’m not crooked, and let me tell you why...” Trump instead attempts to divert the focus away and back to his vanquished opponent in the 2016 presidential election. Also, did you see the ad hominem there? “Crooked” Hillary. Aren’t logical fallacies fun?

The Big Lie In Latin, tu quoque means “you too,” and it’s a perfect logical fallacy to begin with. It is definitely a tu quoque world right now.

This logical fallacy is often called an “appeal to hypocrisy” because it is intended to distract the argument by flipping the argument back to the opponent. Instead of addressing the issue at hand, the speaker focuses on another person’s hypocrisy, another’s flaw, anything that can divert blame.

There are hypocrisies everywhere, and it is valid in an argument to point out inconsistencies, but that should never replace the initial need, which is to prove your own point.

In recent years, tu quoque has been revamped as “whataboutism,” an old propaganda tactic that has been brought back to life under the Trump Administration. When presented with something negative about one of his senior officials, Trump would often fling the insult back upon former President Obama, or Hillary Clinton.

An example of a tu quoque fallacy: A group of neighborhood boys are caught throwing rocks at an abandoned building.

Harry throws a rock at a stray dog. Johnny breaks a window. The police catch them and return them to their homes, and while being grilled by his parents about breaking the window, Johnny said, “Harry threw rocks at a dog. We were all throwing rocks. All the other kids were doing it.”

A real world example of a tu quoque

22 / R / April 5, 2018

When you make a claim that is so outrageous that people will assume that it cannot be a lie, and therefore accept it as truth, you’re committing the Big Lie fallacy. This also happens when a speaker massages the available data in order to “prove” the lie as being true.

This fallacy is coming up more and more, as we are in a factually-challenged era these past few years. People will often tell “small” lies and engage in minor deception to prove their points (ask anyone over 40 their age and watch for the small lies in action). The difference between a “small” and “big” lie is oftentimes a big lie is so completely outrageous that those who hear it think “It must be true, otherwise how could someone get away with telling it?”

The propaganda technique of the “big lie” was originally used by Adolf Hitler in his manifesto “Mein Kampf.” Hitler wrote: “...in the big lie there is always a certain force of credibility... it would never come into their heads to fabricate colossal untruths, and they would not believe that others could have the impudence to distort the truth so infamously. Even though the facts which prove this to be so may be brought clearly to their minds, they will still doubt and waver and will continue to think that there may be some other explanation.”

An example of the big lie fallacy: Herbert and Jane are having a conversation about the recent SpaceX launch. Herbert said, “It’s so great that we’re going into space again.” Jane replied, “You know, we never actually went the space in the first place. It was all a cover up. The Illuminati, the CIA and Hollywood all worked together to create this falsehood that we landed on the moon, but we’ve never actually been to space yet. And this is all a dream.”

A real world example of the big lie fallacy: In November 2016, Donald Trump won the election, but lost the popular vote by nearly three million votes. Even before the election, Trump began casting doubts as to the integrity of the election system, saying the system was “rigged” and that “massive voter fraud” existed: “In addition to winning the Electoral College in a land landslide, I won the popular vote if you deduct the millions of people who voted illegally,” the president tweeted Nov. 27, 2016.

He later tweeted,” “Serious voter fraud in Virginia, New Hampshire and California – so why isn’t the media reporting on this? Serious bias – big problem!”

Explanation: Despite the complete lack of evidence indicating widespread voter fraud, and the fact that these claims have been thoroughly debunked, Trump continues to push this narrative. It accomplishes two main points: to prove to the electorate that he actually won the popular vote, but also (and this is the deep-seated reason), to introduce an element of doubt in the election system. Trump’s use of the big lie is easily debunked, yet the fact that the president has stated it has obviously won over many people to his line of thinking.

This is an example of how effective the big lie technique is. People still believe it.

Cherry-Picking fallacy A cherry-picking fallacy occurs when a person intentionally omits a part of the argument that does not support their desired conclusion. Or conversely, they’ll pick only the parts that do support a preferred conclusion.

You can think of this one as an attempt to suppress evidence. Oddly, we sometimes cherry-pick evidence to no one but ourselves, which is known as a conformation bias. This happens when we first form a conclusion,

Part 3

then only pay attention to arguments and evidence that support that desired outcome.

You can see this conformation bias in partisan media (such as Fox News on the right or Huffington Post on the left) which has come to resemble an “echo chamber” of sorts. Those who log onto the specific site are not reading to have their current beliefs challenged, but merely to cherry-pick data that reinforces their point of view.

In the media, when journalists are not being ethical, they’ll commit an error called “quote mining” that is a form of cherry picking. When journalists (or anyone for that matter) mine quotes, they willfully try to create a Frankenstein argument based on snippets of individual quotes, often taking the original speaker’s words out of context and warping their meaning.

An example of cherry-picking: Tommy’s teacher, Mr. Jones, holds him after class and tells him, “Tommy, you’d be the best student in class if you could just figure out how to show up on time. You’re always late. I’d like you to have a conversation with your parents about this tonight, okay?” When Tommy goes home he tells his mom, “Good news, mom, Mr. Jones said I’m the best student in class!”

A real world example of cherry-picking: A 1998 study by Dr. Andrew Wakefield and others suggested that the Measles Mumps and Rubella vaccine could have caused intestinal disorders in autistic children. Despite the lack of evidence from other studies to support this connection, the anti-vaccination movement erected a tower of misinformation based on Wakefield’s findings. The paper was eventually retracted in 2010, and Wakefield was subsequently struck off the Medical Register for serious professional misconduct, but it still hasn’t stopped anti-vaxxers from citing this study.

Explanation As it also happens Explanation: with climate change science, if a study by an accredited scientist or doctor reinforces a speaker’s view, the science will often be cherry-picked and used, blatantly ignoring other papers and studies that refute it, as well as omitting (as in the above example) the fact that the originator of the study might have been completely discredited.

Next week, the fourth and final installment of this series will touch on four more logical fallacies. -BO

BEER

Idaho Craft Beer Month

MickDuff’s Brewing Co. crew after winning a Gold Medal for their Vienna Lager at the North American Beer Awards (left to right): Duffy Mahoney, Mack Deibel, Mickey Mahoney. Courtesy photo.

By Cameron Rasmusson Reader Staff It doesn’t matter whether you’re crafting art or high-quality beer: culture matters. And this month, independent Idaho breweries are celebrating that culture.

Idaho Brewers United, an organization dedicated to promoting and protecting statewide craft brewing, is celebrating the value of local beer throughout April during Idaho Craft Beer Month.

For the next four weeks, brewers across the state will stress why independent, locally owned breweries fill an important role in communities. “(Events like this) build the community, and I think first and foremost that’s what it set out to do,” said Michelle Silvertson of Laughing Dog Brewing.

Idaho brewers consider the state to be something of a hidden gem in the nationwide craft brewing scene. For one thing, the state filled with breweries producing an impressive array of beers on the cutting edge of both popular and aficionado tastes. But Idaho is also important to beer culture as a whole. As one of the top producers of barley in the nation and the second-biggest source of hops, Idaho supplies many of the ingredients brewers depend on to make an amazing product. Couple that with

the ready supply of fresh, clean, cold mountain water, and it’s no wonder why the state has such a vibrant beer culture.

For brewers like Mack Deibel of MickDuff’s Brewing Company, it’s more important than ever to assert the importance of that vibrant, independent culture. Local brewers and beer lovers have been troubled by the trend, established over the last several years, of massive corporations like Anheuser-Busch buying up craft breweries and diminishing their commitment to quality and community building. What’s more, Deibel said massive brewing companies have poured their money into fighting state legislation that would benefit small breweries in an effort to dominate the market.

According to Deibel, threats like aggressive corporations are why organizations like Idaho Brewers United are important. Independent brewers allege that when corporations, which ultimately are concerned about the bottom line over every other element, dominate the market, it is ultimately the consumer who suffers.

“Craft beer is a culture in and of itself,” said Silvertson. “It’s the smaller mom-and-pop-type shops that are staying true to what beer is itself.”

And what better way to celebrate beer than by making more great beer?

Laughing Dog and MickDuff’s are ready to do just that. For one thing, both

Laughing Dog brewers Matt Spann, left, and Remington Oatman, right, prepare a new batch of IPA at the Laughing Dog facility in Ponderay. Photo by Ben Olson. breweries are participating in Pints Up today —Thursday, April 5. Buy any regular-priced pint and get a pint glass as part of the fun — just make sure you get there before supplies run out.

Even better, check out the new beers Laughing Dog and MickDuff’s are introducing. Since 2018 is the year of the dog, Laughing Dog is reading the signs and introducing a Year of the Dog beer series. Check out the latest in that series, an India red ale with “an earthy tone, citrus kick and sweetness that finishes dry.” And at 5:30 p.m. on Pints Up day, MickDuff’s breaks out its new India Black Lager “We’re just ready to welcome spring with this Idaho Craft Beer Month and really celebrate local beer,” Deibel said.

FACTS ABOUT CRAFT BREWING IN IDAHO •There are currently 61 open breweries located in Idaho, with 12 more slated to open in 2018.

•The largest hops farm in the world is located in Idaho.

•MickDuff’s Brewing Co. was first established in 2006, and they opened their Beer Hall location in 2014.

•Laughing Dog Brewery first opened in Sandpoint in 2005 and have since brewed over 15 distinct beers.

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Conquer the Outdoors Again Office Located in the Ponderay Walmart Vision Center Call and make an appointment today: 208.255.5513

April 5, 2018 / R / 23

By Mike Wagoner Reader Contributor

Fat. Gotta have it. Without it our bodies couldn’t function. Not only is it a key component of cell membranes, but it also helps to cushion internal organs during the “gator.” It has traditionally been our bodies’ battery, serving to keep us alive during those lean times that our species has always experienced off and on, especially in our early history. You know, even before the Rolling Stones.

In our bodies, carbohydrates can store about four calories of energy per gram. Fat can store nine. The problem nowadays, especially in our culture, it’s so easy to get. It’s on every other city street corner for a few bucks. Well, our ancient brains, trapped in a modern world, keep telling us to “eat it man, eat it quick, before someone else gets it.”

As a consequence, Americans on aver-

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24 / R / April 5, 2018

fat

age have more “stored energy” in their bodies than any other group of people in the history of the world. Too bad we’re not running away from many predators any more. We could do it all day. As it is, most of us don’t run around much at all anymore. In fact, to provide for ourselves now, many of us have to sit a lot, read and figure out which buttons to push. Hell, we drive our car to get a loaf of bread.

Ever notice how you can not really be hungry, and then you happen to pass by a kitchen exhaust fan of a fast food restaurant and suddenly it’s “Yeah, I guess I am a little hungry after all.”

Well, that’s our antique brain kicking in, doing what used to work for us.

MUSIC

This week’s RLW by Ben Olson

Far Out West releases EP with Sandpoint show

By Cameron Rasmusson Reader Staff

In the turbulence of current events, it’s no wonder that art is being shaken up. That’s good news for a young band like Far Out West, which is finding new musical creativity in the wake of social upheaval.

With a new EP ready to share with local music fans, the rootsy funk band based out of Portland, Ore., is all about giving audiences an energetic night of dancing and fun. But their music is inspired by the volatility of the modern era, and their EP “The Good Fight” is all about finding the strength to do the right thing in difficult times.

“You get knocked down, but you have to get up the next day and fight the good fight,” said singer and guitarist Liz Chibucos.

Having carved out a space in the Portland music scene with their infectious fusion of folk-inspired lyrics with funky, bluesy, jazzy sound, Far Out West is fresh out of the studio with their debut recording. It’s a record shaped by some songs perfected over multiple shows and others written in a surge of inspiration. Chibucos wrote the title track just a week after the presidential election last year.

“I was really overwhelmed the first week not just from the outcome but also the feedback people were giving publicly— the kinds of things people were saying from both sides of the spectrum,” she said.

The EP came together over three days in a studio. “The Good Fight’s” production was entirely guided by Far Out West with the help of their sound engineer.

“Everyone (in the band) is so focused and intentional in how they play, and that really came through in the studio,” said Chibucos.

To celebrate the release of their EP, Far Out West is doing a whirlwind tour of Oregon,

READ

You’ve heard me say before that this era seems to be devoid of reason a good portion of the time. Don’t lie down and accept it, learn how to change it.

One book that merges two very diametric schools of thought – rationalism (knowledge through reason) and empiricism (knowledge through experience) – is 18th century German philosopher Immanuel Kant’s “Critique of Pure Reason.”

Not only will you think better, you might finally understand what all those coffee shop hipsters have been talking about all these years.

LISTEN

Washington, Idaho and Montana playing nine shows in 11 days. Having played Sandpoint with a previous band, Chibucos is eager to revisit the town.

Catch Far Out West when they play the 219 Lounge, 219 N. First Ave., from 8-11 p.m.

Sunday, April 8.

JJ Grey & Mofro to play at The Hive

By Ben Olson Reader Staff JJ Grey & Mofro will play the The Hive July 17 at 8 p.m., the concert venue announced Tuesday.

The southern rock band from Florida has been making music since the 1990s, combining all the best qualities of funk, soul, blues and rock into a unique package.

Tickets go on sale April 6 at 9 a.m. This is a 21 and over show.

Community water safety classes offered

Liz Chibucos of Far Out West on stage with bassist Danny By Reader Staff Lee in the background.

Sandpoint Parks and RecCourtesy photo.

Learn the Argentine Tango

By Reader Staff Have you ever wanted to learn the sexy Argentine tango?

Now is the time! Come enjoy dancing and guidance from instructor Muffy Nye to learn new skills and polish those you already have.

Lessons take place the third Sunday of April, May and June, with the next lesson scheduled for April 15 at the Sandpoint Community Hall. Drop-in beginner lessons begin at 6 p.m., followed by practice and social dancing from 6:30-9 p.m. No partner is necessary.

Lessons cost $10 per person, per lesson. Pay in advance at www.sandpointidaho.gov/parksrecreation or pay at the door.

Call (208) 263-3613 for more information.

reation has teamed up with Sandpoint West Athletic Club (SWAC) to bring you a new and important course called “Community/Family Water Safety.”

After completing this presentation, participants will be able to recognize the importance of water safety training and swimming lessons, describe the “circle of drowning prevention” and the “chain of drowning survival,” as well as understanding the elements of water competency and explaining steps to remain safe in, on and around water.

This class is offered by highly experienced certified water safety and lifeguarding instructors.

The registration deadline for Session 1 is April 9. Session 2 deadline is May 14.

Session 1 will be April 14 and Session 2 on May 19. Both sessions will go from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Sandpoint Community Hall. The in-water portion will take place at SWAC. Class fees are $10/person, or $20/family. Call (208) 263-3613 for more information.

I gave up always trying to be on the cutting edge of what’s new in music. Now I just stick to bands that create good material, even if it’s a few years old.

Midlake, a Texas lo-fi rock band, has some great releases out there, including my favorite, 2008 release “The Trials of Van Occupanther.” Utilizing smooth harmonies and easy-to-digest ballads, Midlake has honored the Laurel Canyon sound made popular by Neil Young, the Eagles and countless others. Stream it on Spotify.

WATCH

Cameron often informs me when there’s a good TV show to check out, since I don’t often watch TV. He nailed it with his recommendation for “The Good Place” starring Kristen Bell and Ted Dansen.

The concept is simple: What if you died and were sent to “heaven” (aka “The Good Place”) but realized that it was a mistake and that you in fact didn’t belong there?

The writing is intelligent, witty and ground-breaking. The acting is phenomenal. Bell’s character is the epitome of the modern selfish, obtuse yet redeemable human we all know and sometimes love. Ted Dansen is unpredictable and perfect. I loved it.

April 5, 2018 / R / 25

OUTDOORS

Ski race raises $160K for research of rare disorder

By Jani Gonzalez Reader Contributor

From The Daily Panidan May 1, 1928

EQUINES OBJECT TO SHEEP ODOR Wm. St. Peter was coming to town this morning about 6 o’clock driving a span of big horses belonging to Peter (Chuck Slough Pete) Pierson.

The big team was trudging along the highway near the intersection of Pine street and the Dover highway with all the appearances of a mannerly and well behaved farm team, with St. Peter, the driver, perched on a box for a seat on the wagon behind them.

Suddenly, things began to happen. The sight of several carloads of sheep on the Spokane International tracks caused the horses to turn from placid farm plugs to prancing steeds. They pranced a bit and then got a whiff of the pesky sheep. Evidently they didn’t like the smell so well so they threw it in high and departed hence.

HOW THEY RAN! Straight down Pine street toward First they galloped with St. Peter struggling at the reins trying to halt their headlong flight. The wagon bounced and bucked with the speed, with St. Peter manfully doing his best to tame his chargers. To add to his troubles, the loose boards on the bed of the wagon slipped forward striking the horses. At every jump they were prodded, adding to their momentum. Traffic rules and stop signs were forgotten.

At the intersection of First and Pine, still going at full speed, one of the horses slipped and fell, bringing the other horse to its knees also. Horses, wagon and St. Peter skidded 30 feet across the street into an automobile belonging to H.L. Oakley parked at the curb.

Little damage was done to either horses, automobile or driver and St. Peter led him suddenly tamed steeds away to get a new neckyolk.

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2400’ giant slalom is a first for the 24 Hours for Hank annual fundraiser for cystinosis

On the last Saturday in March, a 2.5mile ski race raised money and hope for children and adults living with cystinosis, a rare genetic disorder with little research for new treatments.

“It was near-blizzard conditions — windy, with poor visibility — not the best for ski racing, but the pow skiing was great,” said Matt Gillis, racer and event organizer.

Gillis, who by day is senior director of client success at Kochava, has been organizing the annual event for the past 10 years. Skiers raced the 2,400 ft from the Sky House at Schweitzer Mountain to the Outback lodge.

“This year, we shifted the event to do this race from the earlier endurance ones,” he explained. “We wanted to change up the event and do something that hadn’t been done before. Having a giant slalom was where we landed.”

The fastest skiers of the 2,400-ft (2.5-mi) race finished in three minutes and 26 seconds. The event attracted nearly 100 participants who raced in teams of two, three, and four people. In past years, participants skied around the clock to raise funds and or raced in a 24-hour bike event.

Skiing for cystinosis research Gillis began fundraising for 24 Hours for Hank after he met Tricia and Brian Sturgis, parents of Henry, who was born with the rare disorder. Cystinosis affects organ function, the central nervous system and eyesight.

“I met them a few months after Henry was diagnosed...and I’ve been involved since day one in supporting them and fundraising,” he said.

Cystinosis is considered an orphan disease by the Food and Drug Administration because it affects fewer than 200K people worldwide. It affects 500 people in the U.S. and 2K globally; most individuals with the disorder are children.

Since he began in 2009, Gillis has raised over $250K, all of which has gone to the Cystinosis Research Foundation. And, the money has gone a long way: Treatments for cystinosis have

improved dramatically, and the research has lead to discoveries beneficial to other diseases too.

“Since Henry was diagnosed, his treatment has improved from having to take medication every six hours to taking a slow-release medication that releases over that time,” Gillis said.

Henry’s parents also had to apply eye drops hourly but can now apply the medication using a nanowafer, a type of contact lens where the medication dissolves with time.

This year’s event brought in $160K, of which Gillis single-handedly raised over $35K. He begins fundraising in January and tackles the cause as he would any job.

“This has been something near and dear to my heart in more ways than I can communicate,” he said. “I’m always looking for different ways to get involved and help make a difference.”

Matt Gillis gives Hank a fist bump before taking a run at Schweitzer.

Courtesy photo.

Crossword Solution

I bet when they weren’t fighting, Vikings with horn helmets had to stick potatoes on the ends of the horns, so as to avoid eye-pokings to fellow Vikings and lady Vikings.

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Woorf tdhe Week

fiddle footed /FID-l-foo t-id/ [adjective] 1. restlessly wandering.

“The fiddle footed vagabond stuck his thumb out and got a ride.”

Corrections: I found a couple of small typos in last week’s issue, but nothing major to report. -BO

Copyright www.mirroreyes.com

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1. Sweater eaters 6. Booty 10. Casino game 14. Birdlike 15. Buckeye State 16. Way out 17. Slowly, in music 18. Jar tops 19. Fluff 20. Merges 22. Fail to win 23. Classify 24. Chemical cousin 26. Beige 30. Bother 31. Church bench 32. Godsend 33. Regrets 35. Savory jelly 39. Christening 41. Excite 43. Place 44. Fizzy drink 46. Ailments 47. Directed 49. Disencumber 50. P P P P 51. Straight 54. Dogfish 56. Nameless 57. Placenta 63. Coagulate 64. Thrust with a knife 65. A kind of macaw

Solution on page 22 7. Pare 66. Convenience 8. Deputy 67. Gait faster than 9. Gabfest a walk 10. Companionship 68. Synagogue scroll 69. Not the original color 11. Adage 12. Washing machine 70. Cravings cycle 71. Colonic 13. Aquatic mammal 21. Lion sounds 25. Chair DOWN 26. Wanes 27. Jacket 1. Timbuktu country 28. Lasso 2. Baking appliance 29. Not gifted 3. Hue 34. Deposits 4. Despise 36. Whimper 5. Kisses 37. Small island 6. Sunrooms

38. To tax or access 40. Notion 42. Lowest point 45. Speech 48. Not airtight 51. Twined 52. Dental filling 53. Hangman’s knot 55. Wane 58. Not aft 59. Press 60. Unusual 61. Streetcar 62. Laugh

April 5, 2018 / R / 27